Russian strikes cause heavy casualties across Ukraine as Kyiv hits Russian refinery

Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine have caused widespread casualties and damage. A major strike on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih left 15 dead and over 130 injured, drawing sharp condemnation from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Subsequent overnight assaults targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv killed at least 13 people and wounded 40 more. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to take action to stop the conflict.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces targeted a large Lukoil oil refinery inside Russian territory, while Moscow indicated that talks over a potential prisoner exchange are proceeding. On the diplomatic front, the United Kingdom and France authorized the local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, triggering warnings from Russia. Italy reiterated its stance against deploying military forces or taking part in scheduled October multinational maneuvers.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.