Russian targets struck on 17 September: Yaroslavl refinery and military aircraft in Rostov-on-Don
Overnight into 17 September 2026, Ukrainian forces struck the Yaroslavl oil refinery and the Rostov-on-Don Central military airfield. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially confirmed the results of both operations.
Slavneft-YANOS Yaroslavl refinery
The Yaroslavl refinery was struck in a joint operation by the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, Defence Intelligence and the Foreign Intelligence Service.
A large fire broke out at the facility after the strike. Russian regional authorities acknowledged damage to the refinery and a fire at the site.
Slavneft-YANOS is one of Russia’s five largest refineries and can process about 15 million tonnes of crude oil a year. It produces petrol, diesel, aviation kerosene, jet fuel, fuel oil and other petroleum products.
Rostov-on-Don Central military airfield
The Security Service of Ukraine struck the military airfield in Rostov-on-Don. Official information confirms hits on one An-12 transport aircraft, two An-26 aircraft and three helicopters.
Explosions were followed by a large fire and secondary detonations at the airfield. Russian forces use the facility for aviation logistics and to transport personnel and military cargo.
Update to the Demilitarizator statistics
Both strikes meet the Demilitarizator methodology and are counted as two separate events on 17 September. The aircraft and helicopters are not counted as separate targets; they are recorded as effects of the airfield strike.
The updated total for 2026 is at least 817 strikes, including at least 30 in September. The refinery and gas-plant category has risen to at least 96 and the airfield category to at least 12.
The report may be updated when more detailed information emerges about damage to the Yaroslavl refinery and the condition of the aircraft.
How the figures changed
The data may be revised when official statements or further assessment become available.