Russian strikes target Ukrainian cities as Kyiv marks Independence Day
Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine caused heavy casualties as Kyiv marked Independence Day, prompting international condemnation and rising diplomatic tensions.
Ukrainian authorities reported extensive damage across several regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, following overnight Russian missile and drone strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a combined attack killed at least 13 people and injured 40 in Kyiv, while a separate strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih left 15 dead and over 130 injured.
European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned the bombardment, while Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to "do everything to stop the war."
Meanwhile, the Kremlin issued warnings to the United Kingdom after London and Paris authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine. On Kyiv's Independence Day, Italy reaffirmed its refusal to deploy troops or participate in upcoming multinational military exercises in October.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.
Sources
- ANSA — Ucraina, raid russo notturno su Kiev, Zelensky: 'Tredici morti e 40 feriti'
- La Repubblica — Guerra Ucraina - Russia, le news di oggi. Almeno 15 morti in un raid russo in un centro commerciale. Allarme aereo a Kiev
- Corriere della Sera — LIVE | Raid su una maxi-raffineria Lukoil. Mosca: «Al lavoro per uno scambio di prigionieri»
Earlier coverage
- Oct 26, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEU warns Moscow over European sabotage as Russian strikes target Kyiv
- Oct 26, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCEU warns Moscow over European drone threats as Russian strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 26, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCEuropean Union warns Moscow as Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 25, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEU warns Moscow following fresh Kyiv strikes and German sabotage probe
- Oct 25, 2026, 01:00 PM UTCMoscow targets Ukraine's energy grid as European Union warns against sabotage
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- Oct 24, 2026, 07:00 PM UTCRussian strikes hit Kyiv as EU warns Moscow over European drone sabotage
- Oct 24, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEU vows response to hostile Russian acts as drone strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 24, 2026, 01:00 PM UTCEU vows response after suspected Russian drone sabotage attempt in Germany
- Oct 24, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCKyiv targeted by Russian drones following Zelensky's UN address