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In the most recent attack on the nation's energy supply, Russia launched a "massive" missile strike against Ukraine overnight that damaged four power plants, officials in Kiev said on Saturday.
Under Russian shelling, two civilians lost their lives and at least ten others were injured.
In recent months, Moscow has carried out some of its biggest-ever attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, halting a sizable portion of output and resulting in nationwide blackouts and energy restrictions.
In one of its biggest overnight drone strikes, Ukraine reportedly shot more than 60 drones at southern Russia overnight, according to Moscow. Two oil refineries and a military air base were allegedly targeted by Kiev.
The Ukrainian army stated in its daily morning briefing that the Russian armed forces had carried out "another massive missile attack on Ukraine."
The Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions are in Ukraine’s west, bordering the EU and hundreds of kilometres from the frontlines.
Ukraine’s air force said Moscow had fired 34 missiles, of which 21 were shot down.
Kyiv says Moscow is escalating its attacks from the air and on land ahead of nationwide celebrations on May 9, when Russia marks victory in World War II, and while Ukraine awaits the arrival of crucial US weapons.
The DTEK power operator said equipment at four of its thermal power plants was “severely damaged” in the overnight strikes, adding that its had disconnected its main overhead power line in the west of the country as a preventative measure.
“We ask all consumers to consume electricity sparingly. Industry is asked to maximise electricity imports and use alternative power sources,” Ukrenergo said in a statement.
The head of the western Lviv region called on residents not to use kettles, irons, washing machines and microwaves between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm to preserve limited energy supplies.
One person was also killed and eight wounded in shelling of the southern Kherson region, Ukraine’s national police said.
Moscow earlier said that Ukraine had launched one of its largest-ever attempted overnight drone attacks on the Krasnodar region.
