Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv retaliates with refinery attack

Russian forces executed extensive overnight aerial strikes across several regions in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih. A missile and drone barrage targeting a Kryvyi Rih shopping center resulted in at least 15 fatalities and over 130 injuries, while attacks in the capital left 13 dead and 40 wounded. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the bombardments, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the United Nations to help end the conflict.

In response, Ukrainian drones targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow reported progress on a potential prisoner exchange despite issuing warnings over London's decision to permit joint French-Ukrainian production of Scalp cruise missiles. Concurrently, Italy reaffirmed its decision to refrain from sending troops or participating in scheduled multinational military maneuvers.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.