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Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches missile and drone strikes

newsJul 2, 2026391,531

Explosions rocked Kyiv on July 2, 2026, as Russian forces launched ballistic missiles and attack drones, hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a "massive strike." Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram that Kyiv was under attack and that blasts were audible across the city; AFP journalists in Kyiv reported dozens of explosions and active air defenses. Multiple social and news reports said around 20 to 30 missiles and swarms of drones were involved, with at least 10 separate blasts heard and air alerts across much of Ukraine. Local reports and journalists said a high-rise and a hotel were struck, a nine-storey building partially collapsed, and people may be trapped under rubble; casualties and full damage assessments were not yet confirmed. Kyiv Post and Kyiv Independent published early accounts of the strikes and ongoing air defense activity. The attacks followed Zelensky’s warning and are likely to drive further emergency response and damage assessments in the capital tonight.

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