Ukraine faces heavy Russian strikes as Western allies review defense coordination

Ukrainian authorities reported extensive overnight Russian bombardments across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv involving a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting civilian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, noting severe casualties across several regions, including a devastating strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping centre that killed 15 people and wounded 130 others.

In response, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the actions, while Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene. Meanwhile, Western partners convened to discuss local defense manufacturing following a British agreement permitting France and Ukraine to produce Scalp cruise missiles locally. Concurrently, Italy confirmed it will not send troops or participate in multinational military maneuvers scheduled for October. Moscow indicated that preparations for a potential prisoner exchange remain ongoing despite the military escalation.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.