Ukraine faces heavy Russian strikes on Independence Day as allies meet on missile production

Ukraine marked its Independence Day under heavy overnight Russian missile and drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. A devastating attack on a Kryvyi Rih shopping centre resulted in at least 15 deaths and 130 injuries, prompting EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to condemn Russia's actions. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested urgent intervention from the United Nations. Concurrently, a drone raid targeted a major Lukoil refinery in Russia.

Diplomatic tensions escalated as Western allies convened following a British agreement enabling France and Ukraine to produce Scalp cruise missiles locally, drawing threats from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Italy confirmed it will not participate in multinational maneuvers scheduled for October or deploy troops. Moscow noted that preparations for a prospective prisoner exchange remain underway despite the renewed hostilities.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.