Jul 2, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

Russia launched a significant combined missile and drone assault on Ukraine on July 2, with Kyiv being the primary target. The attack involved 74 missiles and 496 uncrewed aerial vehicles. In Kyiv, the death toll has risen to 18, and 85 individuals, including two children, sustained injuries. Extensive damage was reported across the capital, with a residential building in the Darnytskyi district particularly affected. EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, characterized the assault as "real hell," noting that a diplomatic residential area was among the targets. The European Union's External Action Service has pledged to increase sanctions on Moscow and continue military support for Ukraine, specifically in air defense and drones. Separately, a guided aerial bomb strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in the death of a 7-year-old girl and injuries to four others, including an 11-year-old child. Sources: Українська правда, Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Kyiv endured a substantial Russian assault on July 2, involving drones and ballistic missiles, which Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported caused over 10 fatalities and damaged more than 20 residential structures. In response to ongoing conflict, Ukraine has requested €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for military aid, aiming to leverage a perceived "window of opportunity" on the front lines. The Ukrainian government also launched a new controlled export system for its defense technologies. Separately, South Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced plans for significant investments, totaling around $876 billion, into new chip production facilities and AI data centers. Concurrently, global oil prices have seen a third consecutive day of decline, attributed to increased shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and advancements in US-Iran indirect negotiations. Sources: Forbes Ukraine

The Spanish government has reported that nearly 1.2 million applications for regularization were submitted by undocumented foreign nationals between mid-April and June 30. According to figures released by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government on July 2, a total of 1,174,978 dossiers were filed. Pilar Cancela, the Secretary of State for Migration, stated during a press conference in Madrid that over 600,000 of these applications have already been declared "receivable." This initiative marks a significant period for immigration processing in Spain.

Sources: Le Monde

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, a BBC News survey gathered international perspectives on the nation. Individuals from countries including Brazil, Egypt, India, Australia, Canada, and the UK shared their views on contemporary America. The responses revealed a complex range of opinions, encompassing both admiration and criticism, alongside broader reflections on the US's global standing. This diverse feedback highlights the varied perceptions of the United States worldwide as it marks a significant historical milestone.

Sources: BBC News — World

Authorities in Beijing announced on Thursday that the pilot of a small tourist plane, which crashed into the city's tallest skyscraper last week, had been experiencing suicidal thoughts. The 66-year-old pilot died in the incident, which also left 13 people injured. Officials stated that the pilot had long suffered from insomnia and anxiety, with entries in his personal diary reportedly indicating significant distress. The investigation into the precise circumstances of the crash continues.

Sources: Le Monde