Key facts
- Russia conducted a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv on July 2.
- At least 22 people were killed and 86 injured.
- The attack destroyed approximately 800,000 Ukrainian books.
- Ukraine's air defense systems were overwhelmed by ballistic missiles and drones.
- President Zelensky highlighted the need for timely delivery of promised military aid, particularly Patriot interceptor missiles.
Russia launched its most massive aerial assault on Kyiv to date on July 2, deploying waves of missiles and drones that killed at least 22 people and injured 86, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which President Volodymyr Zelensky warned was coming, overwhelmed Ukraine's air defenses, with officials reporting a record number of ballistic missiles fired at the capital. Widespread destruction was reported across all districts, affecting residential buildings, energy infrastructure, and internet services. Approximately 800,000 Ukrainian books were also destroyed in the attack.
In response to the overwhelming assault and continuing shortages of air defense interceptors, Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appealed to nearly 40 partner countries to urgently transfer Patriot missiles from their stockpiles. Zelensky emphasized that delayed military aid from allies has directly resulted in Ukrainian casualties and loss of homes, stating that Ukraine needs previously agreed-upon assistance delivered on time. Ukraine's Air Force reported shooting down a significant portion of the incoming threats, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones still struck numerous locations.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared July 3 a Day of Mourning for the city. During the attack, Kyiv's metro system sheltered a record number of people, including thousands of children. In a separate development, Ukraine's Brave1 defense technology cluster announced its first major partnership with Western defense industry firm Airbus.