Ukrainian Drones Strike Rostov Air Base and Yaroslavl Refinery
A massive Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Rostov air base and a Yaroslavl oil refinery in Russia, while Moscow launched widespread retaliatory missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
A massive explosion and a large fire were documented overnight at the Rostov air base in southern Russia during a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack. Footage published by local residents showed flames at the facility followed by a major blast, alongside the sounds of air defense systems and secondary explosions.
The independent Russian investigative outlet ASTRA examined the footage and assessed that the fire broke out within the base near an aircraft parking area. According to Ukrainian reports, a secondary detonation occurred, which may indicate a strike on fuel depots or ammunition storage. This claim has not yet been independently verified.
Impact on Regional Infrastructure and Air Defense
"Russian air defense systems intercepted more than 50 drones over the Rostov region, but a power substation was damaged, causing electricity disruptions in several areas of Rostov-on-Don," said regional governor Yury Slyusar.
The Associated Press reported, citing Ukrainian sources, that several Russian aircraft and helicopters were damaged in the strike. At this stage, no recent satellite imagery has been published to confirm the claim or assess the extent of the damage. Russia has not acknowledged any hits on the base or the aircraft stationed there.
Simultaneous Strikes on Yaroslavl and Nationwide Attacks
Parallel to the Rostov strike, Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Regional governor Mikhail Yevrayev confirmed that fires broke out at the facility and damage was sustained, adding that 65 drones were intercepted over the area.
At the same time, Russia launched a widespread aerial assault against Ukraine, firing nearly 160 drones alongside ballistic and cruise missiles. More than 20 people were injured, including children, and damage was reported to residential buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and other regions.
