Jul 2, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

The death toll from Russia's extensive missile and drone attack on Kyiv on July 2 has risen to 22, with 100 individuals, including minors, now reported injured, though one initial report cited 21 fatalities. Amidst these developments, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the United States to grant licenses for Patriot missile production, expressing optimism for a favorable response from Donald Trump. Separately, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appealed to nearly 40 partner countries for the immediate transfer of Patriot missiles from their current inventories this month, proposing future contracted deliveries as compensation. President Zelenskyy also reiterated his hope for a visit from US special representatives to Ukraine, following Defense Minister Rustem Umerov's discussions with former President Trump's son-in-law. The European Union continues to affirm its commitment to increasing sanctions on Moscow and providing military aid, especially air defense systems.

Sources: Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

A Russian attack on Kyiv on July 2 caused over ten fatalities and damaged more than twenty residential buildings. Commercial properties, including the ERC complex, Porsche Center Kyiv Airport, CityHotel Residence, and an Agromat store, also sustained damage. Separately, the European Union Court of Justice confirmed a €4.1 billion fine against Google for abusing its dominant position with the Android operating system, upholding an earlier decision. Meanwhile, Ukraine has requested €6.6 billion in military assistance from the European Peace Facility, seeking to leverage a "window of opportunity" on the front lines expected to last six to nine months. Additionally, Kyiv has launched a controlled export system for its defense technologies to partner nations, an initiative announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Sources: Forbes Ukraine

Volodymyr Yelchenko, who served as Ukraine's final ambassador to Moscow from 2010 to 2014, has offered insights into the potential for "smuta," or internal turmoil and rebellion, within Russia. Yelchenko, also a former permanent representative of Ukraine to the UN and ambassador to Washington, is regarded as having an in-depth understanding of Russia due to his extensive diplomatic experience in the country. His tenure as ambassador concluded when Kyiv recalled its envoy following the occupation of Crimea, and no successor has since been appointed. Yelchenko currently leads the international policy direction at the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation. He discussed these possibilities in an interview.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

US employment growth decelerated significantly in June, with the economy adding 57,000 jobs, a figure considerably below economists' forecasts. Data released on July 2 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicated that wage increases remained insufficient to keep pace with inflation. This mixed economic report emerges just before major celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US independence, where President Donald Trump is expected to emphasize his administration's economic achievements, potentially facing scrutiny over these latest figures.

Sources: Le Monde — International

Millions in the Eastern United States are enduring a significant and potentially record-setting heatwave, with temperatures reaching approximately 40°C (104°F). Major urban centers, including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., are among the areas most impacted. According to US meteorological services, this extreme heat is projected to persist across large parts of the central and eastern US until Friday, subsequently focusing on the East Coast through the Independence Day holiday weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has characterized the conditions as a "dangerous and record heatwave" that will affect a substantial population for several days.

Sources: Le Monde