Jul 2, 2026, 07:30 AM UTC

Kyiv authorities are continuing rescue operations following Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack on July 2, which involved 74 missiles and 496 drones. Search efforts remain focused on a residential building in the Darnytskyi district, where a family, including a 15-year-old girl, is still being sought under rubble after a section was "literally blown away." The State Emergency Service reports 13 fatalities and over 30 injuries across the capital. From the Darnytskyi building, 17 individuals have been rescued. Damage has been recorded at over 30 locations in all Kyiv districts, affecting numerous residential and non-residential structures. July 3 has been declared a day of mourning. Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Kyiv experienced a significant Russian attack on July 2, involving drones and ballistic missiles, which resulted in over 10 fatalities and damage to more than 20 residential buildings, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Concurrently, Ukraine has urged European Union partners to allocate €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for military assistance, citing a six-to-nine-month "window of opportunity" on the front lines. The Ukrainian government also initiated a new controlled export mechanism for its weapons and defense technologies. In the technology sector, South Korean firms Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are planning substantial investments totaling approximately $1.3 trillion in new chip production facilities and AI data centers. Separately, the US Department of Commerce lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 and Claude Mythos 5 AI models following enhanced security agreements. Sources: Forbes Ukraine

Syria has inaugurated its first parliament since the fall of the Al-Assad regime, marking a significant political development. This new legislative body is seen as a crucial test for transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who assumed power in December 2024. Upon taking office, Al-Sharaa dissolved the previous People's Assembly, which had functioned as a rubber-stamp institution for the Al-Assad family's five-decade dictatorship. The formation of this new parliament, occurring approximately one and a half years after Al-Sharaa's ascent, initiates a new phase in Syria's political transition. Its establishment is expected to be a key indicator of the ongoing political reforms under Al-Sharaa's leadership.

Sources: Le Monde — International