**Russian Attacks on Ukraine Leave 2 Dead, 33 Injured**
Over the past 24 hours, at least two civilians have been killed and 33 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine. The attacks were reported by local governors in various regions.
In Kherson Oblast, a hospital in Kherson city was shelled late on July 1, injuring eight people, including patients and medical staff. Two other people were injured elsewhere in the region over the past day. Attacks damaged residential buildings, a farm, a business, and vehicles across more than 30 settlements.
In Kharkiv Oblast, four people were injured in attacks on Kharkiv city and six other communities. Russian forces used guided aerial bombs, various drones, and artillery. Civilian infrastructure, including houses, a transport stop, an emergency medical facility, and businesses, was damaged or destroyed.
In Donetsk Oblast, two civilians were killed and 10 others injured by Russian attacks on July 1. A mail terminal operated by Nova Poshta, Ukraine’s largest postal service, was destroyed in the city of Sloviansk. No employees were injured, according to an official statement.
**Ukraine’s Air Force Reports Successful Defense Against Drone Attacks**
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 114 Shahed-type and decoy drones overnight from multiple directions, as well as four S-300 missiles. Air defenses shot down 40 drones, while 39 disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare.
**New Developments in Russian-Ukrainian Conflict**
A person claiming to be a Russian officer said he had received an order to open fire at an aerial target last December that turned out to be an Azerbaijani airliner. This revelation has raised concerns about Russia’s military accountability and training procedures.
Ukraine’s Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said that Russian forces likely executed another Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW). A recent video appears to show the captive tied to a motorcycle and dragged along a road.
**Global Response to Russian Aggression**
Belarus has announced plans to deploy advanced weapons systems, citing the need for maintaining domestic stability. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concerns about the complexity of these systems, requiring at least six months of training.
The United States has withheld certain military aid from Ukraine, including Patriot air defense missiles and precision artillery rounds. Authorities in Russia have detained a former Russian Deputy Defense Minister on bribery allegations, further muddying the waters of Russian military ethics.
**Ukraine’s Countermeasures**
In response to Russian aggression, Ukraine’s Defense Minister announced plans for new joint production programs with international partners. These initiatives aim to boost Ukraine’s defense capabilities and strengthen its partnerships with allies.
North Korea has been increasing its military cooperation with Russia, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence chief. This development has raised concerns about the potential for further destabilization in the region.
**A Grim Reality**
The Russian missile attack on Huliaipole in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed the commander of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade and injured 30 people. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that this attack has significantly hampered Russia’s ability to plan and conduct operations in the Pokrovsk and Toretsk areas.
The conversation between leaders took place as Russian forces continue to advance along the front line, trying to gain a foothold in Sumy Oblast and enter Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
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