Ukrainian drones have attacked several regions of Russia overnight on February 17, according to local authorities and Telegram channels. The Ilsky oil refinery in  Krasnodar Krai saw a large-scale fire breaking out after the reported strikes, becoming the first Russian refinery to be hit in 2026. The refinery supplies fuel to Russian troops and Ukraine’s General Staff estimates it processes 6.42 million tonnes of oil annually.

Residents first heard 10 explosions near the Ilsky settlement and shortly afterward a fire erupted at the local refinery. Krasnodar Krai, which confirmed the attack, is a strategic region in southwestern Russia located on the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. The reported aerial threat caused suspended operations in multiple airports for at least four hours.

Drones also reportedly targeted the Republic of Tatarstan, in central European Russia’s Volga-Ural region. Airports in Kazan and Nizhnekamsk temporarily halted arrivals and departures as a rsult.

Russia has not released information following the two attacks but pro-Russian Telegram channels claimed that Krasnodar Krai had been under attack by Ukrainian drones since the evening. Local air defence systems reportedly shot down more than 20 drones over the region.

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Krasnodar Krai Operational Headquarters said there were no casualties. It noted that 72 firefighters, 21 fire appliances and a fire train had been involved in tackling the blaze