Ukraine strikes Russian refinery as Moscow launches nationwide missile barrage

Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil refinery in Russia as Moscow reported ongoing talks regarding a potential prisoner exchange.

Concurrently, Russian forces launched a massive overnight aerial attack across Ukraine utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The combined strikes hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, causing at least 13 deaths and 40 injuries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack follows a separate strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping mall that killed 15 people and injured more than 130.

On the diplomatic front, Italy reiterated its refusal to deploy troops to Ukraine or participate in planned October multinational military maneuvers. The decision comes after the United Kingdom authorized local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, prompting threats from the Kremlin.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.