Ukraine marks Independence Day amid Russian strikes and Western defense developments

A series of large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes targeted civilian infrastructure across Ukraine during its Independence Day observances, leaving at least 15 dead and over 130 injured after a major shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih was destroyed. Additional strikes hit targets in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to the United Nations for intervention, while European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the assaults.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes against a Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and France authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine. Addressing security developments, Italian officials reaffirmed that Rome will not send troops or join upcoming multinational military exercises, as Moscow indicated that negotiations for a potential prisoner exchange remain active.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.