Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Kyiv targets Russian oil refinery

Russian forces launched widespread missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih, leaving at least 15 people dead and over 100 injured. European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attacks, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow announced ongoing talks regarding a potential prisoner swap, but warned the United Kingdom after London and Paris authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine.

Additionally, Italy reiterated its opposition to deploying troops and confirmed it will not join multinational military drills scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.