Ukraine targets Russian refinery following deadly strikes on Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih

A series of coordinated Russian missile and drone strikes hit Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih and locations across Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, causing dozens of casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the multi-wave attack targeted civilians, while European Union Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas condemned the assaults.

In retaliation, Ukrainian drones struck a major Lukoil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed that negotiations for a prisoner exchange remain active. On military cooperation, the United Kingdom and France approved the local manufacture of Scalp cruise missiles within Ukraine, drawing threats from the Kremlin. Additionally, Italy reiterated that it will not deploy troops or participate in multinational military maneuvers planned for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.