Ukraine marks Independence Day amid heavy Russian strikes

Ukraine marked its Independence Day amid widespread Russian missile and drone strikes targeting infrastructure across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. A major attack on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih left at least 15 people dead and 130 injured, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ask UN Secretary-General António Guterres to "do everything to stop the war."

In response, Ukrainian forces launched drone attacks against a major Lukoil refinery in Russia. On the diplomatic front, the UK and France authorized local Ukrainian production of Scalp cruise missiles, while Italy reaffirmed its refusal to send troops or join upcoming multinational military maneuvers. Russian officials noted that prisoner exchange discussions are ongoing.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.