Kyiv's Drone Offensive: Escalation in Eastern Ukraine

Kyiv launched significant drone attacks on Russian power plants and oil refineries, marking one of the biggest offensives since the war's onset. Simultaneously, Moscow's advances towards eastern Ukraine's key towns intensified. The conflict is at a critical juncture, with Ukraine seeking more powerful Western-supplied weapons for deeper strikes into Russia.

Kyiv has launched one of the most significant drone attacks against Russia since the full-scale war began, targeting power plants and an oil refinery overnight, according to officials. Moscow, meanwhile, has advanced toward a key town in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian reports also noted Russian shelling near their shared border, including a missile strike on a grain convoy that killed a truck driver and another in Kharkiv that injured at least 28. This fighting marks a critical moment in the conflict, now in its two-and-a-half-year mark, with Russia pushing an offensive in eastern Ukraine and attempting to expel Ukrainian forces from a surprise incursion at its western border on August 6.

With increased domestic drone production, Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russian energy, military and transport infrastructure. Temporary flight restrictions imposed on Moscow's main airports were lifted on Sunday morning. However, claims of drone attacks could not be independently verified. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for more Western military support, emphasizing the need for long-range strikes to protect Ukrainian cities.

(With inputs from agencies.)