Jul 2, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC

Russia's extensive combined missile and drone assault on Ukraine on July 2 primarily targeted Kyiv, involving 74 missiles and 496 uncrewed aerial vehicles. The death toll in Kyiv has increased to 18, with 85 people, including two children, sustaining injuries. Significant damage was reported across the capital, particularly to a residential building in the Darnytskyi district. 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 to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, described the assault as "real hell," noting a diplomatic residential area was hit. The European Union's External Action Service pledged to increase sanctions on Moscow and continue military support, especially for 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

Kyiv experienced a significant Russian attack on July 2, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming over 10 fatalities and damage to more than 20 residential buildings from drones and ballistic missiles. Concurrently, Ukraine has urged European Union partners to allocate €6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for military assistance, aiming to capitalize on a "window of opportunity" on the front lines. The Ukrainian government also initiated a controlled export system for its defense technologies. In other news, South Korean firms Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix revealed plans for approximately $876 billion in investments for new chip production facilities and AI data centers. Meanwhile, global oil prices continued their third consecutive day of decline, influenced by increased shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and progress in US-Iran indirect talks. Sources: Forbes Ukraine

The European Union plans to eliminate tariffs on roughly 80% of imports from Armenia, an announcement made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on July 2. The decision came after her meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan. This measure is part of the EU's broader efforts to support Armenia. According to Bloomberg, as reported by Радіо Свобода, the tariff removal is also intended to help shift Armenian trade flows away from Russia. This economic initiative aims to deepen the relationship between the EU and Armenia by facilitating greater market access for Armenian products within the European bloc.

Sources: Радіо Свобода, Bloomberg

Kyiv has seen the reintroduction of power outage schedules in late June, prompting concerns about potential challenges in the upcoming winter. This development recalls the severe and prolonged blackouts experienced earlier this year, which significantly affected daily life and the operations of state institutions. Specifically, the previous winter's power cuts posed considerable difficulties for courts in Kyiv, raising questions about their readiness for future disruptions. The situation prompts an inquiry into whether judicial processes can continue unimpeded when electricity supply is interrupted, and if Kyiv's courts are adequately prepared for potential new blackouts.

Sources: Українська правда