Ukraine targets Russian refinery following deadly overnight missile and drone strikes

Widespread Russian missile and drone bombardments overnight struck Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, and Kryvyi Rih, causing significant civilian casualties. A strike on Kryvyi Rih's largest shopping center killed at least 15 people and injured over 130, prompting EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to remark that the attack "shows the depravity of Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to pursue all means to end the conflict.

In response, Ukrainian forces launched an attack on a major Lukoil oil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed active negotiations concerning a potential prisoner exchange.

On the diplomatic front, the United Kingdom and France authorized the local manufacturing of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine, drawing threats of response from the Kremlin. Separately, Italian officials confirmed Rome will not send troops or join upcoming multinational military exercises scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.