Ukraine Claims Six Aircraft Hit at Rostov Airfield as Drones Strike Yaroslavl Refinery
One overnight Ukrainian drone raid went after Russian airlift at a Rostov airbase and the fuel output of a top-five refinery in Yaroslavl. The aircraft losses remain Ukraine's claim.
One overnight Ukrainian drone raid went after Russian airlift at a Rostov airbase and the fuel output of a top-five refinery in Yaroslavl. The aircraft losses remain Ukraine's claim.
Ukraine claimed hits on three transport aircraft and three helicopters at Rostov-on-Don's Central military airfield overnight Sept. 16-17. Zelensky said the Security Service of Ukraine struck one An-12, two An-26s and three helicopters. The General Staff listed the same six airframes and said a fire followed by detonations was recorded at the base. Russia has confirmed none of those losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ukraine say it hit at the Rostov airfield?
President Zelensky said the Security Service of Ukraine struck the military airfield in Rostov overnight Sept. 16-17, hitting one An-12, two An-26 transports and three helicopters. Ukraine's General Staff listed the same six aircraft at the Rostov-on-Don (Central) airfield.
Has Russia confirmed the aircraft losses?
No. Rostov Oblast Governor Yury Slyusar confirmed a fire and power outages in four districts from drone debris, with no casualties, but did not mention aircraft. Russia's Defense Ministry issued no damage assessment. Astra and NASA FIRMS fire data placed a fire near the aircraft parking area.
What is the Slavneft-YANOS refinery?
It is the Yaroslavl refinery of Slavneft, a company controlled equally by Rosneft and Gazprom. It processes about 15 million metric tons of crude a year, making it one of Russia's five largest refineries, and produces diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.
What damage did the refinery take?
Governor Mikhail Yevraev said the refinery sustained damage and the fires were extinguished by 8:19 a.m. Ukraine's General Staff claimed the strike hit the AVT-3 primary crude-distillation unit.
How is the refinery campaign affecting Russia?
Sources told Reuters that three of Russia's six largest diesel-producing refineries halted or cut output in September after Ukrainian drone attacks. Leningrad Oblast introduced fuel limits at gas stations that run until Oct. 1, according to Governor Alexander Drozdenko.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.