Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as Ukraine targets Lukoil refinery

Russian overnight drone and missile attacks struck civilian sites across Ukraine, including regions near Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, as well as a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih. Local reports confirm at least 15 fatalities and over 130 injuries. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the strikes, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a Lukoil oil refinery inside Russian territory. Concurrently, the United Kingdom and France authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italian officials reiterated that Rome will not send troops or join planned October multinational military exercises. Russian representatives noted that negotiations regarding a potential prisoner exchange remain underway.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.