Jul 2, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC

The death toll from Russia's July 2 missile and drone attack on Kyiv has been updated to 18 fatalities, according to the Kyiv prosecutor's office. Rescue operations are continuing in the Darnytskyi district, where a residential building suffered extensive damage, with upper floors described as completely destroyed. The State Emergency Service (DSNS) characterized the assault as "one of the largest attacks on Kyiv by number of victims." EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, reiterated her statement that the attack was "real hell," noting that a diplomatic residential area was among the targets. Separately, an attack on the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in the death of a 7-year-old girl and injuries to four other individuals, including an 11-year-old child.

Sources: Українська правда, Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has indicated broad political consensus to amend the nation's constitution concerning nuclear weapons. According to Nausėda, almost all leaders of the Lithuanian Seimas factions agree that the existing constitutional clause, which prohibits the deployment of nuclear armaments on Lithuanian soil, is outdated and requires abolition. This agreement among high-ranking officials signals a potential re-evaluation of Lithuania's defense posture and strategic options. The proposed constitutional amendment reflects evolving discussions surrounding national security and regional deterrence, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. The move would allow for greater flexibility in future defense arrangements.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

Berlin Airport's chief executive, Aletta von Massenbach, has voiced concerns over significant delays affecting non-European Union citizens arriving in the German capital. She cautioned that the current situation, where border control waiting times can extend up to two hours, would be "not bearable over the summer." These prolonged queues are attributed to the European Union's recently implemented digital Entry-Exit System (EES). Von Massenbach specifically highlighted that a terminal serving airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air is experiencing these extended waits. The new system, designed to register non-EU visitors, has presented operational challenges at the airport. Sources: BBC News

Chinese authorities have concluded that the pilot who crashed a small aircraft into a Beijing skyscraper last week did so for "personal reasons." The incident resulted in the pilot's death and injuries to 13 other individuals. Officials identified the pilot only by his surname, Liu, stating he was a 66-year-old divorced freelancer who lived alone. Investigations revealed Liu was reportedly suffering from chronic insomnia and anxiety, which authorities cited as factors behind his actions. The crash occurred in the Chaoyang district, impacting one of the city's tallest buildings.

Sources: BBC News — World

A 19-year-old, Peter Stokes, has been arrested in Finland and extradited to the United States on allegations of involvement with the Scattered Spider hacking group. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced the arrest, which followed an Interpol Red Notice and "years of work." Stokes faces charges including computer intrusion, conspiracy, and fraud. His apprehension in April marks a significant development in efforts to address the activities of the cybercrime organization, which has been linked to numerous cyberattacks.

Sources: BBC News