Russian air strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv retaliates against Russian refinery

Overnight Russian missile and drone attacks targeted civilian infrastructure across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. A separate strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping mall killed at least 15 people and injured more than 130, leading EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas to remark that the attack "shows the depravity of Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN leadership to assist in stopping the war.

In response, Ukrainian forces struck a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. Meanwhile, Russian officials indicated ongoing discussions regarding a potential prisoner exchange.

On the diplomatic front, Britain approved joint French-Ukrainian production of SCALP cruise missiles, drawing warnings from the Kremlin. Italy confirmed it will not participate in autumn coalition military exercises or deploy troops to Ukraine.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.