**Russia’s Only Helium Plant Attacked by Drones**
A critical facility in Russia, the only one producing helium used in rocket manufacturing, space industry, and aviation, has been targeted by drones. Local residents reportedly heard explosions near the plant located in Orenburg Oblast.
The extent of damage to the plant is not yet clear. Russian authorities closed off a section of the M-5 Ural highway near Perevolotsky and Kholodnye Klyuchi, where the factory is situated, on August 11 at 8 p.m. local time.
**Russian Authorities Respond**
Orenburg Oblast Acting Governor Yevgeny Solntsev announced that two drones were shot down over the region in the evening of August 11. However, he did not comment on any potential damage or casualties. A drone raid alert was issued on the morning of August 12.
**Intelligence Source Reveals Critical Role of Helium Plant**
According to an intelligence source, the helium plant is “Russia’s sole helium production facility and one of the largest in Europe.” The plant has an annual capacity to process around 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas. However, Russian media report that Russia also operates another helium plant in Irkutsk Oblast as of 2025.
**Kyiv’s Strategy to Undermine Moscow’s War Efforts**
The intelligence source claims that the plant is one of the key facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex and directly involved in Russian aggression against 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.
**Further Drone Strikes Reported**
Another wave of Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Russia overnight on August 12, with drone strikes reported at a plant producing synthetic sapphires in Stavropol. This indicates that Kyiv is continuing its strategy to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities and economy.
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