Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Rome rules out troop deployment

Widespread Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine have caused severe casualties, including a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping centre that killed at least 15 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the multi-wave assaults targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, while EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas denounced the actions.

In retaliation, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Amid the escalating military actions, Moscow acknowledged ongoing negotiations regarding a prisoner exchange. Internationally, the United Kingdom and France granted approval for Ukraine to manufacture Scalp cruise missiles locally, drawing threats of retaliation from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Italy reaffirmed its position, stating it will not deploy troops or participate in multinational maneuvers planned for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.