Jul 3, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

The death toll from Russia's July 2 missile and drone attack on Kyiv has risen to 30, following the recovery of three additional bodies from a damaged residential building in the Darnytskyi district. On the front lines, Ukraine's General Staff reported 273 combat engagements on July 2, with Ukrainian forces repelling 39 assaults in the Pokrovsk direction, 32 in Huliaipole, and 30 in Sloviansk. This figure for total engagements on July 2 represents an increase from an earlier reported count of 224. Concurrently, more than 13 explosions and subsequent fires were reported in occupied Mariupol on the night of July 3, with a local resistance group suggesting drones targeted parked trucks.

Sources: Українська правда, Громадське, Радіо Свобода

Pavlo Yelizarov, known for establishing the innovative Lasar's Group drone unit within Ukraine's National Guard, is now developing a small air defense system for the Air Force. Yelizarov, who built Lasar's Group from former civilians, is applying business methodologies to military structures. In his current role, he reportedly faces increased conservatism within the army system and does not hold a commander status, a change from his previous position. His work on building top units and overcoming new challenges was discussed during an interview at the Forbes Ukraine Entrepreneurs Forum.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine

A BBC Eye investigation has uncovered that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in India. The investigation found that these ads utilized search terms such as "rape video" and "child video," directing users to channels on the messaging application Telegram. On these Telegram channels, the illicit material was reportedly available for purchase, with prices starting from approximately 99 rupees (around $1). This discovery highlights the platform's role in facilitating access to illegal content within the region. Sources: BBC News

A Belarusian national, identified as Mr. A., has been indicted and placed in provisional detention in France on June 5, facing charges of "delivery of information to a foreign power" and "association of..." related to alleged espionage at a drone manufacturing facility. Mr. A. denies the accusations. French judicial authorities are reportedly grappling with foreign interference cases, which often involve suspects described as "amateur" individuals recruited through social media, rather than experienced intelligence operatives. The alleged masterminds behind such operations are frequently difficult to identify, and the evidence can be challenging to materialize. Sources: Le Monde

Shoko Kawata, the mayor of a small town in western Japan, has initiated a national discussion after announcing her intention to take maternity leave. The 35-year-old official's decision to step away temporarily for childbirth has generated significant public reaction, both supportive and critical. Her announcement has brought to the forefront a broader debate within Japan regarding whether elected public servants should take time off for family reasons, particularly in a nation grappling with declining birth rates. This event highlights ongoing societal challenges concerning work-life balance and gender roles in leadership positions across the country. Sources: BBC News