Ukrainian attack damages major Russian Jaroslav oil refinery

Ukrainian forces carried out a strike on the Jaroslav oil refinery in Russia during the night of 6 July. The plant, located about 250 km northeast of Moscow and roughly 700 km from the Ukrainian border, is one of Russia’s largest refineries. Photos and videos posted by local residents show thick smoke rising from the site, but the extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed.

The weapon used has not been identified, though Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel infrastructure commonly employ long‑range, domestically produced drones. Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the report, and the Ukrainian military has not issued an official comment.

The raid follows a similar strike on 28 June and is part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to target Russian oil‑refining capacity, which Moscow says is worsening an existing fuel shortage. Russia has responded with long queues at petrol stations, higher prices and a July 2 decree loosening gasoline quality standards.