Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv targets Lukoil refinery

Russia launched a coordinated overnight air strike across multiple Ukrainian regions using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that at least 13 people were killed and 40 injured as strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. The barrage followed a separate Russian attack on a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih that left 15 dead and over 130 wounded, drawing condemnation from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil refinery inside Russia, while Russian officials indicated ongoing efforts toward a prisoner exchange. On the international stage, Italy reaffirmed it will not send troops to Ukraine or join upcoming multinational military exercises in October. The decision comes after the United Kingdom authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, prompting fresh warnings from the Kremlin.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.