Overnight drone strikes have reportedly hit two major Russian industrial sites linked to the defense sector — Ukraine’s intelligence drones targeted Russia’s only helium plant in Orenburg, and a separate attack struck the Monocrystal synthetic sapphire factory in Stavropol, causing a fire. The results of both attacks are so far not known.

Ukrainian drones target rare helium facility in Orenburg

Militarnyi, citing a source in Ukrainian military intelligence, reported that drones from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry attacked the Orenburg Helium Plant on 11 August. The facility is the only producer of helium in Russia and one of the largest in Europe, with an annual capacity to process about 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas. It belongs to Gazprom Pererabotka, a subsidiary of Gazprom. Orenburg is about 1,250 km from the warzone.

That evening, Orenburg Oblast authorities claimed that two drones had been shot down after a UAV danger regime was declared in the region. Officials did not confirm any direct hits or falling debris.

Stavropol sapphire producer hit hours later

In the early hours of 12 August, Russian Telegram channel Astra and Ukrainian Supernova+ reported that drones attacked the Monocrystal JSC plant in Stavropol, sparking a fire. The facility is located about 480 km from the frontline.

Synthetic sapphire from Monocrystal is used in optical systems, protective sensor elements, and laser components, including those in military devices. It is also applied in missile guidance systems, UAV camera housings, and aircraft and spacecraft instrumentation.

Local residents reported hearing at least five explosions and seeing flashes in the night sky before smoke appeared over the site. The city’s mayor, Ivan Ulyanchenko, claimed the UAVs were “suppressed by our electronic warfare systems” and that no one was injured, although windows in one community facility were shattered. He added that emergency services were working at the scene and that a UAV danger regime remained in effect across the region.

Russian ministry claims interceptions

Later on 12 August, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that overnight its forces had shot down 22 Ukrainian drones over Rostov Oblast and three over Stavropol Krai. The statement did not address the reported damage at either site.

Recent strikes

The attacks follow a series of recent Ukrainian drone operations against industrial and energy facilities deep inside Russia. Bloomberg has reported that Rosneft’s Saratov oil refinery, struck on 10 August, halted crude intake after a drone strike.