Ukraine Drones Strike Yaroslavl Refinery Amid Russian Export Restrictions

The facility, which processes 300,000 barrels of oil per day, was targeted in a joint operation involving Ukraine’s Security Service, the Unmanned Systems Forces, and military intelligence. Yaroslavl governor Mikhail Yevrayev acknowledged the damage via Telegram, noting that emergency crews extinguished the resulting fire by Thursday morning. This strike follows a reciprocal Russian bombardment of infrastructure in Kyiv, underscoring the absence of any informal agreement to spare energy assets during the ongoing war.

The timing of the drone strike complicates Russia’s efforts to manage a deepening fuel crunch. Domestic gasoline and diesel shortages have plagued the country since spring, exacerbated by persistent Ukrainian attempts to disrupt supply lines to the front and the internal market. According to Vedomosti, the Russian government intends to keep the diesel export ban in place until October 31. Originally set to expire at the end of September, the measure was expanded in July to cover all producers, reflecting concerns over delayed refinery maintenance and the urgency of building stockpiles before the winter season.