Kyiv launches largest drone attack on Russia, hitting power stations and refineries

Kyiv carried out one of the largest drone attacks on Russia since the war began, targeting power plants and an oil refinery overnight. 

Russian forces also made advances towards a key eastern Ukrainian town, officials reported on Sunday.

Russian missile strikes on Kharkiv injured more than 40 people, including five children, according to Reuters.

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It was reported by Russian officials that air defence units had destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones and that debris from the strikes caused fires at the Moscow oil refinery and the Konakovo power station in the neighbouring Tver region.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has called for allies to allow Kyiv to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deeper into Russia and reduce the threat of further attacks.

Last week, Russia conducted its heaviest air strikes of the war, targeting Ukrainian energy facilities as part of a broader campaign of drone and missile attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties since February 2022.

Ukraine, with its growing drone industry, has increased attacks on Russian infrastructure and is urging Western allies to provide more powerful weapons to inflict greater damage within Russia and weaken Moscow's military capabilities.

"All necessary forces for the rescue operation have been deployed," Mr Zelensky said on Telegram following the Kharkiv attack, which involved at least 10 missiles and hit locations including a shopping mall.