Russia’s largest northern oil refinery erupts in flames after overnight drone strike
The glow is visible far from the refinery (Photo: facebook.com/MCHSRussia)
On the night of April 26, drones attacked the Yaroslavl oil refinery – one of the largest facilities in Russia's oil refining industry, according to OSINT channels.
Timeline of the attack
According to eyewitnesses, the attack began around 0:40 local time. The sound of drones was heard in the sky over the city, followed by a series of powerful explosions – at least 15.
The force of the explosions rattled windows in buildings and set off car alarms in parked vehicles.
Before the attack, a drone danger was announced in the region. Due to the threat of strikes, Yaroslavl airport temporarily suspended arrivals and departures.
Hit the refinery
The Ukrainian monitoring resource Exilenova+ confirmed that the drones' target was the Yaroslavl oil refinery (full name: "Slavneft-Yaroslavnefteorgsintez", also known as "Slavneft-YANOS"). Following the strikes, a large fire broke out on its territory.
Significance of the facility
The Yaroslavl refinery is the largest oil refinery in northern Russia and ranks among the country's top five refineries by primary processing capacity.
Its capacity reaches approximately 15 million tons of oil per year. The facility produces gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel, which are critically important for the logistics of the Russian army.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to systematically strike Russian oil infrastructure. In late March – early April 2026, attacks targeted refineries in Kirishi, Yaroslavl, Saratov, Ufa, and Novokuybyshevsk, as well as terminals in Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Tuapse.
On April 21, SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) drones attacked the Samara linear production dispatching station, damaging five oil tanks. On the night of April 22, drones struck the Syzran refinery.
The fire at the Tuapse refinery continues — now for the fifth day. Additionally, the Nikolskoye LPDS in the Tambov region was recently hit.
