Jul 2, 2026, 02:30 PM UTC

The death toll from Russia's extensive missile and drone assault on Ukraine on July 2 has risen to 21 in Kyiv, according to emergency services. The capital also saw 85 people injured, including two children, following the attack that involved 74 missiles and 496 uncrewed aerial vehicles, primarily targeting the city. Earlier reports from the prosecutor's office indicated 18 fatalities in Kyiv. Significant damage was reported across all Kyiv districts, with a residential building in Darnytskyi particularly affected. 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. The European Union reiterated its commitment to increased sanctions on Moscow and continued military support, focusing on air defense and drones, with European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stating that only sustained military aid and pressure on Moscow can halt such attacks. Sources: Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

The European Union Court of Justice has upheld a €4.1 billion fine against Google, confirming the company's abuse of its dominant position with the Android operating system. This decision finalizes a long-standing antitrust case. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to seek €6.6 billion in military assistance from the European Peace Facility, aiming to leverage a perceived "window of opportunity" on the front lines for the next six to nine months. The Ukrainian government has also initiated a controlled export system for its defense technologies to partner nations. These developments follow a recent Russian attack on Kyiv on July 2, which resulted in over ten fatalities and damage to more than twenty residential buildings, alongside several commercial properties.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine

An explosion at a café in central Damascus on Thursday resulted in at least five fatalities and 16 injuries, according to Syrian authorities. The incident took place near the Palace of Justice. Syria's Ministry of Health subsequently confirmed the provisional casualty figures. The official SANA news agency stated that the blast was caused by "an explosive device that had been placed on the premises." Authorities have established a security cordon around the site and are actively investigating the origin and nature of the explosive device. Sources: Le Monde

A diplomatic dispute has emerged between South Africa and Ghana following allegations of a Ghanaian national's death during anti-migrant demonstrations. Ghana's Foreign Affairs ministry reported "profound shock" over claims that Bashiru Isak, 40, was fatally shot in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township on Tuesday. The Ghanaian government has issued a formal protest note and lodged a complaint regarding the incident. South African officials, however, have denied these allegations. The situation has led to heightened tensions between the two African nations. Sources: BBC News