UKRAINE has launched one of its biggest drone attacks on the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula since the war began, Russian officials said today.

They did not mention any casualties or damage.

Ukrainian officials also reported that the Kremlin’s forces have escalated their weeks-long attempt to storm Avdiivka, a strategically important city in the east of the country.

Neither side has gained much ground recently despite a Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in June, and analysts predict the war will be a long one.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russian-occupied part of southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, confirmed Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Crimea today.

He claimed that dozens of drones were shot down over the province and in the north of Crimea.

Russia annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 following the Maidan coup overthrowing Ukraine’s elected government.

Russia has been trying to capture Avdiivka since October 10, using heavy bombardments and reportedly taking heavy losses.

Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partly occupy.

Its location grants Ukrainian forces artillery advantages over the city and could serve as a springboard for them to recapture Donetsk.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned recent reported attacks on hospitals in Ukraine today.

The group said it had witnessed direct attacks on medical facilities in Donetsk and Kherson, adding: “Attacks on hospitals are completely unacceptable.

“Medical facilities, healthcare personnel and patients must be protected.”