Russian strikes target Ukrainian cities as Kyiv hits Lukoil refinery

Russian forces launched widespread overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, heavily impacting Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih. A major strike on Kryvyi Rih's largest shopping centre killed at least 15 people and injured over 130 others. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas denounced the assault, stating it demonstrated "the depravity of Russia," while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations leadership to take all possible measures to halt the conflict.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russian territory. Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed ongoing talks regarding a potential prisoner exchange.

On the diplomatic front, the United Kingdom and France granted authorization for Ukraine to produce Scalp cruise missiles locally, drawing immediate threats of retaliation from the Kremlin. Separately, Italian officials reiterated that Rome will not deploy troops or participate in upcoming multinational military maneuvers planned for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.