**Russian Helium Plant Hit by Drone Strikes, Intelligence Source Claims**
A critical facility in Russia has been reportedly targeted by Ukrainian drones. The Orenburg Helium Plant, located in the southern part of the country, is said to be one of the key suppliers of helium for rocket manufacturing and other industries.
According to an intelligence source, the plant was hit by drone strikes on August 11th. Local residents reported hearing explosions near the facility, while drones were seen flying overhead. The Russian authorities quickly responded by closing off a section of the M-5 Ural highway nearby.
The extent of damage caused by the strike remains unclear. However, it’s worth noting that this is not an isolated incident. Ukrainian forces have been escalating long-range drone strikes against Russian military and industrial targets deep in their territory.
**Background on the Orenburg Helium Plant**
The Orenburg Helium Plant is reportedly Russia’s sole helium production facility and one of the largest in Europe, with an annual capacity to process around 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The plant produces helium, which can be used for various purposes such as pressurizing rocket propulsion systems.
However, not all details provided about the plant have been verified by external sources. Russian media reports that while Orenburg Helium Plant was indeed Russia’s only helium producer before 2021, it is no longer alone in this capacity, with another helium plant operating in Irkutsk Oblast since 2025.
**Ukrainian Drones Continue Strikes on Russian Facilities**
The Ukrainian forces have recently increased their efforts to disrupt the Russian war effort through drone strikes. Earlier this month, a synthetic sapphire plant in Stavropol was reportedly hit by Ukrainian drones.
Martin Fornusek is a news editor at The Kyiv Independent and notes that these attacks aim to undermine Moscow’s ability to wage war on Ukraine. “Kyiv has escalated long-range drone strikes against Russian military and industrial targets deep in the rear, aiming to undermine Moscow’s ability to wage war,” he explained.
The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the creative tactics being employed by both sides to gain an advantage over each other.
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