Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv targets Russian oil infrastructure

Russian forces launched extensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih. A strike on a Kryvyi Rih commercial venue left at least 15 people dead and more than 130 injured, prompting EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas to condemn the assault. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to take all necessary steps to halt the conflict.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces launched long-range drones targeting a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Despite the escalation in combat, Russian officials stated that negotiations regarding a potential prisoner exchange remain active. Internationally, Italy reaffirmed its decision to decline participation in multinational maneuvers scheduled for October and reiterated its refusal to deploy troops.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.