Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv targets Lukoil refinery

Ukrainian Independence Day marked a period of intensified military actions and international diplomacy. Russian overnight missile and drone strikes targeted Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, killing at least 13 people and injuring 40 others, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault followed a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center that left 15 dead and over 130 wounded, drawing condemnation from European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas. In response, Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to take action to end the war.

Concurrently, Ukrainian forces launched a strike against a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia, as Moscow indicated ongoing work regarding a potential prisoner exchange. Diplomatically, the United Kingdom and France granted permission for local production of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italy reaffirmed its decision not to send troops or join planned October multinational maneuvers.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.