Russia's July 2 assault on Ukraine leaves 18 dead in Kyiv, EU pledges more support

Russia launched a massive combined missile and drone assault on Ukraine on July 2, primarily targeting Kyiv with 74 missiles and 496 uncrewed aerial vehicles. The capital's death toll rose to 18, with 85 people, including two children, injured. Significant damage occurred across all Kyiv districts, notably a residential building in Darnytskyi and a diplomatic area. Separately, a guided aerial bomb strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region killed a 7-year-old girl and injured four others, including an 11-year-old. EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová described the assault as "real hell." The European Union pledged increased sanctions on Moscow and continued military support, focusing on air defense and drones. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that "only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow" can stop such attacks. Sources: Українська правда, Радіо Свобода