Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as UK and France approve missile production

Overnight Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih, severely damaging civilian infrastructure. A strike on a major shopping center in Kryvyi Rih killed at least 15 people and injured over 130. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated the assault "shows the depravity of Russia," while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to help end the war.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched a raid against a major Lukoil oil refinery in Russia. Moscow confirmed that preparations for a prisoner swap are underway.

Diplomatically, the United Kingdom and France authorized Ukraine to locally produce Scalp cruise missiles, prompting warnings from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Italy confirmed it will not send troops or participate in multinational exercises scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.