Russia's largest Kyiv strike since invasion kills 17, hits hotel hosting EU staff
Russia launched its heaviest air assault on Kyiv since the start of the war overnight, firing 74 missiles and 496 drones that killed at least 17 civilians and wounded nearly 100. A hotel where European Parliament staff were staying was set ablaze.
Scale of the Attack
Russian forces struck Kyiv with a simultaneous barrage of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in the early hours of 2 July, deploying an unprecedented mix of munitions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported 74 missiles and 496 drones, including Zircon hypersonic missiles, Iskander-M and S-400 ballistic missiles, Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles, and hundreds of Shahed-type attack drones. One-third of the missiles penetrated Ukrainian air defences, hitting 33 targets across all 10 districts of the capital.
- Zircon hypersonic
- 4 units
- Iskander-M / S-400
- 24 units
- Kh-101 cruise
- 34 units
- Kalibr cruise
- 8 units
- K-59/69 guided
- 4 units
- Drones (all types)
- 496 units
Civilian Toll and Damage
At least 17 people were killed and 86 to more than 90 injured, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming 70 required hospitalisation. Casualties included children and medical workers. A residential block in Darnytskyi district partially collapsed, an ambulance substation was wrecked, and fires broke out in markets and high-rises. Klitschko declared a day of mourning for 3 July.
It was a terrible night for Kyiv. Damages were reported in every neighbourhood of the city.
Hotel Housing EU Staff Hit
A hotel lodging European Parliament personnel was struck and caught fire during the attack. EP President Roberta Metsola confirmed the building was hit but said all staff were safe.
Another terrible night in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, after last night's massive attack of Russian missiles and drones. I am relieved that the European Parliament staff there are safe after the place where they were accommodated was hit.
International Condemnation
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pledged to propose additional sanctions targeting entities that support Russia's military-industrial complex. Romanian President Nicusor Dan delivered a forceful condemnation, stating that Moscow has once again proved it has no interest in peace.
Only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow can stop attacks on Kyiv.
Russia has demonstrated once again that it does not want peace and does not engage in reasonable behaviour to advance towards a comprehensive security situation.
Air Defence and Retaliation
Ukrainian air defence units intercepted 48 of the 74 missiles and neutralised 476 of the 496 drones, but 25 ballistic missiles and 12 drones got through. As the attack was unfolding, Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Kstovo, Russia's Nizhny Novgorod region, killing one person and wounding four, according to local governor Gleb Nikitin.
In this night, Russia launched another cynical and large-scale attack on Ukraine. The enemy fired dozens of ballistic missiles. Kyiv was the most severely affected.
