Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv retaliates against Russian refinery
Russian missile and drone attacks hit Ukrainian cities, killing at least 15 in Kryvyi Rih, as Ukraine targets a Lukoil refinery and Western allies agree on local missile manufacturing.
Russian forces launched an extensive overnight attack across Ukraine using missiles and drones, striking Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih. The assault hit energy infrastructure and a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and dozens of injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to help stop the war, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the strikes.
In response, Ukrainian drones targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. On the diplomatic front, the UK and France authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italy confirmed it will not participate in planned multinational military exercises in October, reiterating its stance against deploying troops. Russian officials also reported ongoing discussions regarding a prospective prisoner exchange.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.
Sources
- Il Sole 24 Ore — Guerra in Ucraina, ultime notizie. Missili russi su Kiev e aree circostanti, 12 morti
- ANSA — Ucraina, raid russo notturno su Kiev, Zelensky: 'Tredici morti e 40 feriti'
- La Repubblica — Guerra Ucraina - Russia, le news di oggi. Almeno 15 morti in un raid russo in un centro commerciale. Allarme aereo a Kiev
- Corriere della Sera — LIVE | Raid su una maxi-raffineria Lukoil. Mosca: «Al lavoro per uno scambio di prigionieri»
Earlier coverage
- Oct 18, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCEU warns Moscow after German drone probe as Russian strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 18, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCEuropean Union warns Moscow following drone incidents in Germany
- Oct 17, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCRussia launches campaign against Ukraine's energy grid as drone strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCVon der Leyen warns against attacks on EU territory as Leipzig drone suspects identified
- Oct 17, 2026, 12:30 PM UTCRussian strikes hit Kyiv following Zelensky's UN General Assembly address
- Oct 17, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCRussia targets Ukrainian energy grid following drone strikes on Kyiv
- Oct 17, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCEU vows response to Leipzig drones as Russian strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 17, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCRussian strikes target Kyiv as European officials warn against hybrid threats
- Oct 17, 2026, 12:30 AM UTCRussia targets Kyiv grid as EU warns against hybrid threats after Leipzig drone discovery
- Oct 16, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCRussian strikes hit Kyiv as EU warns against hybrid threats