Ukraine faces widespread Russian strikes as Italy opts out of joint drills

Massive Russian missile and drone strikes targeted civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, leaving at least 15 people dead and over 130 injured after a major shopping center in Kryvyi Rih was struck. Attacks were also reported in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces prepared extensively to maximize civilian damage, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the escalation.

In response, Ukrainian forces raided a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed ongoing preparations for a prisoner exchange.

Diplomatically, the United Kingdom and France authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, prompting Kremlin threats. Concurrently, Italy reaffirmed it will not send troops or participate in multinational exercises scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.