Drones attacked the Russian city of Yaroslavl during the night. According to preliminary reports, the target was the «Slavneft-YANOS» oil refinery, where a fire broke out following the explosions. The Russian authorities have confirmed the attack, and in the city, the exit towards Moscow has been temporarily closed and some buses have been rerouted. The extent of the damage to the facility is being assessed.
Briefly about the main points
- A fire broke out following the explosions near the oil refinery.
- An alert was issued in the Yaroslavl Region at around 02:35.
- Eyewitnesses reported seeing several large plumes of black smoke.
- The exit from the city towards Moscow has been temporarily closed.
- Bus routes have been changed, and some services have been suspended at the bus station.
Sirens, explosions and smoke over the industrial estate
An air-raid alert was declared in the Yaroslavl Region at approximately 02:35 local time. Sirens were sounded in the city, after which residents reported explosions and a fire in the area around the oil refinery.
Photos and videos released by eyewitnesses show several large plumes of thick black smoke rising above the industrial part of the city. It is impossible to determine from these images exactly which facilities or installations have been affected.
The Russian authorities have confirmed the drone attack, but have not provided any detailed information about its consequences. At the time of publication, the Ukrainian side had not commented on its involvement in the strike.
The route to Moscow has been closed; buses have been diverted
Traffic restrictions have been introduced near the junction of Moskovsky Prospekt and the South-Western Ring Road. Local residents have been urged not to approach the closed section.
Buses travelling along Moskovsky Prospekt were diverted via alternative routes. Some inter-municipal services were temporarily suspended at the coach station.
What is known about «Slavneft-YANOS»
«Slavneft-YANOS» is located in the southern part of Yaroslavl and is part of the «Slavneft» group, which is linked to «Rosneft» and «Gazprom Neft». The company’s site covers more than 800 hectares.
According to the refinery, the average processing volume is around 15 million tonnes of crude oil per year. The refinery produces petrol, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, jet fuel, lubricants, bitumen and liquefied gases.
The extent of the damage, the condition of the production equipment and the possible impact of the fire on the refinery’s operations are currently being assessed.
