Russia targets Ukrainian cities as Western missile deal draws Kremlin warnings

Ukrainian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv sustained widespread damage following overnight Russian air strikes using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed multiple casualties, adding to the fallout from a prior strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center that left 15 dead and over 130 injured. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas publicly condemned the attacks, while Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for intervention to halt the conflict.

Concurrently, Ukrainian forces launched a drone raid on a major Lukoil refinery in Russia, as Russian officials indicated ongoing negotiations regarding a potential prisoner swap. Strategic tensions escalated further following Western approval for local production of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine, triggering warnings from the Kremlin. Additionally, Italian authorities reaffirmed that Italy will not deploy forces or participate in planned multinational military maneuvers.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.