On the night of July 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) carried out a large-scale series of strikes against critical infrastructure and military targets deep within Russian territory. According to the AFU General Staff, the targets included objects of the fuel and energy complex, vessels of the 'shadow fleet,' and military equipment in Crimea and southern Russia.
Strike on 'Slavneft-YANOS' in Yaroslavl
One of the key targets of the attack was the 'Slavneft-YANOS' oil refinery in Yaroslavl. According to Ukrainian defense forces, the strike was launched on July 16. A direct hit was recorded on the enterprise's territory, followed by a fire. The exact extent of the damage is currently being clarified.
The 'Slavneft-YANOS' plant is one of the largest oil refineries in central Russia, with an annual processing capacity of approximately 15 million tons of oil. The enterprise specializes in the production of automotive gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, lubricants, and bitumens. According to Ukrainian sources, the plant's products are actively used to meet the needs of the Russian military-industrial complex and armed forces.
Attacks on the 'Shadow Fleet' and Crimean Ports
In the Black and Azov Seas, Ukrainian forces struck several vessels used for transporting Russian hydrocarbons. According to the General Staff, two tankers were hit, one of which was a gas carrier, as well as one tugboat. These vessels, according to Kyiv, are used to bypass international sanctions and transport fuel for the Russian army.
In Crimea, strikes hit key objects in Kerch. Specifically, the Project 10410 patrol ship 'Svetlyak' was hit. Ships of this class are designed for patrolling waters, escorting vessels, and supporting naval operations. In addition, the 'TES-Terminal-1' oil terminal and a train carrying fuel and lubricants were attacked in Kerch.
Destruction of Logistics Chains
During the operation, strikes were launched against infrastructure ensuring the transfer of equipment and cargo. In the Donetsk region, a railway bridge over the Kalmius River near Stary Maryevka was hit. In the Kursk region, a road bridge near Kozino was attacked. Both objects, according to the AFU, are actively used by the Russian side for military logistics.
Additional strikes were launched against objects in the Donetsk region: an oil depot was hit in Shakhtarsk, a train with material and technical supplies was hit in the Pokrovsk district, and a command and observation post was hit in the Novotroitsky district.
Context of the Attacks
These events continued a series of attacks on Crimea and coastal regions. On the night of July 16-17, fires were recorded at a number of objects in the Kerch and Berdyansk areas and in the Black Sea, including a railway station. A few days earlier, the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy conducted a joint operation using 'Mamai' drones, during which tankers sailing from the ports of Ust-Luga, Kerch, and Novorossiysk were hit.
