Zelensky appeals to UN as missile strikes hit Ukrainian cities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to "do everything to stop the war" following a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine. The overnight strikes hit civilian infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, leaving at least 13 people dead and 40 injured. The offensive followed a strike on a Kryvyi Rih shopping center that killed 15 people and wounded over 130 others, an attack EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said "shows the depravity of Russia".

In response to the escalation, international diplomatic efforts and military decisions continue to develop. The United Kingdom and France authorized the local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, prompting threats of retaliation from the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Italy reiterated its refusal to deploy troops to Ukraine or participate in upcoming multinational military exercises scheduled for October.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.