Drone Strikes Hit Slavneft-YANOS Refinery in Yaroslavl for Second Time in Three Days

Repeated Drone Attacks Target Major Russian Oil Refinery

The Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Russia, has been subjected to drone attacks for the second time in three days, with incidents reported on December 12 and December 14, 2025. This facility, located more than 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is one of Russia's five largest oil refineries, boasting an annual processing capacity of 15 million tons of oil.

Reports indicate that the strikes resulted in fires and significant damage, impacting the refinery's operations. The repeated targeting of this critical infrastructure highlights an ongoing campaign against Russia's energy sector.

Details of the Recent Strikes and Reported Damage

On the night of December 12, 2025, strike drones attacked the Slavneft-YANOS refinery, leading to explosions and a large fire. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions, and videos and photos circulating online showed a fire and a thick column of smoke at the facility. Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev had issued a warning about a 'drone threat' in the area prior to the reported blasts.

The refinery was reportedly hit again on December 14, 2025, marking the second such incident within three days. Following the December 12 strike, industry sources indicated that the AVT-4 unit, which accounts for approximately one-third of the refinery's capacity, and the oil loading rack were damaged, causing a halt in fuel production. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down 90 drones overnight during one of the attacks, with eight allegedly intercepted over the Yaroslavl region.

Ukrainian Attribution and Broader Context

Ukraine's General Staff confirmed responsibility for the December 12 strike, stating that the 'Defense Forces of Ukraine struck facilities at the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery.' They noted that the refinery is 'involved in providing the armed forces of the Russian invaders.' These attacks are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to target Russia's oil and gas infrastructure, aiming to disrupt Moscow's wartime revenue and fuel supplies.

The Slavneft-YANOS refinery is a joint venture of Russian state giants Rosneft and Gazprom Neft. It produces a wide range of petroleum products, including:

• Automotive gasoline
• Jet fuel
• Lubricants
• Diesel fuel

Its products are crucial for major enterprises in Russia's Central and Northwestern regions, as well as for airports, the Northern Railway Administration, and facilities of the military-industrial complex.

Ongoing Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure

The attacks on the Slavneft-YANOS refinery are consistent with a pattern of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities. Other refineries, such as those in Syzran and Afipsky, have also been targeted recently, with some experiencing significant operational disruptions. This ongoing campaign underscores the strategic importance of energy infrastructure in the current conflict.