Rescue operations continue in Ukraine following widespread Russian strikes

Ukrainian emergency crews continue rescue operations across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv following coordinated Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure. A Russian strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center left at least 15 people dead and over 130 injured. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attack, stating it demonstrated "the depravity of Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene to stop the war.

In response, Ukraine struck a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. Meanwhile, Russian officials indicated progress on potential prisoner exchanges. Tensions between Moscow and London also escalated after Britain approved joint French-Ukrainian production of SCALP cruise missiles. In Western Europe, Italy reiterated its refusal to deploy troops or participate in upcoming multinational military exercises.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.