Wide-scale Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as defense efforts evolve

Russian forces carried out extensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that at least 13 people were killed and 40 injured in the attacks. The barrage followed a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping mall that left 15 dead and over 130 wounded, drawing sharp condemnation from EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil refinery inside Russia, while Moscow stated it remains engaged in prisoner exchange negotiations. On defense cooperation, the United Kingdom and France authorized the localized production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Italy reaffirmed its opposition to sending troops or participating in planned multinational military maneuvers set for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.