Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv retaliates with drone attack

Widespread Russian missile and drone attacks struck several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih, where a strike on a major shopping center killed 15 people and injured 130. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the United Nations to help end the war, while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the strikes. In response, Ukrainian forces launched a drone raid against a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. International tensions grew following Britain's approval for France and Ukraine to produce Scalp cruise missiles locally, drawing warnings from Moscow. Meanwhile, coalition allies gathered while Italy reiterated its refusal to deploy troops or join upcoming military exercises. Russian officials stated that talks regarding a prisoner exchange remain ongoing.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.