Jul 2, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

The death toll from Russia's extensive missile and drone attack on Kyiv on July 2 has been updated, with conflicting reports on the exact number. The Kyiv prosecutor's office reported 18 fatalities, while the State Emergency Service (DSNS) stated 17. Rescue operations are continuing in the Darnytskyi district, where a residential building sustained severe damage, with upper floors described as completely destroyed. The DSNS characterized this assault as "one of the largest attacks on Kyiv by number of victims." EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, described the attack as "real hell," noting that an area where diplomats reside was among the targets. A 10-year-old boy is undergoing surgery, and a family, including a 15-year-old girl, remains missing. Energy infrastructure was also targeted, causing power outages.

Sources: Українська правда, Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Kyiv experienced a significant Russian attack on July 2, involving drones and ballistic missiles, resulting in over 10 fatalities and damage to more than 20 residential buildings, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Separately, Ukraine has urged European Union partners to allocate €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for military assistance, citing a "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 $876 billion in new chip production facilities and AI data centers. Concurrently, oil prices have declined for a third consecutive day, influenced by increased shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and progress in US-Iran talks. Sources: Forbes Ukraine

The Vatican has confirmed the excommunication of six bishops belonging to the traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), officially declaring the movement schismatic from Rome. A decree issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on Thursday stated that sacred ministers within the SSPX are in a "situation of schism." It further clarified that lay faithful who formally adhere to the society "must be held for schismatic and excommunicated." This decision formalizes a long-standing theological dispute between the Holy See and the community founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.

Sources: Le Monde