Photo : RBC-Ukraine
Photo : RBC-Ukraine
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 02 July, Ukrinform reported on Russia’s airstrike on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, resulting in the injury of five. According to Regional Governor Oleh Kiper, the attack damaged a multi-storey residential building and other civilian infrastructure, with six apartments destroyed and 36 partially damaged. The injured children, suffering from smoke inhalation, were hospitalized, while three adults received medical aid at the scene. Emergency services evacuated 50 residents and extinguished the blaze. However, the entire impact of the attack remains unknown.
On 02 July, in response to the US halt of delivery of weapons, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense demanded a phone call with the US authorities. This was to clarify the status of ongoing defence assistance, following reports of delays in the delivery of certain components from previously approved aid packages. In a statement, Ukraine’s ministry emphasised that no official notice has been received regarding a suspension or revision of supply schedules, and it is working to verify the details of each delayed item. The ministry also reiterated that ending the war would require sustained joint pressure on Russia and continued Western military assistance.
On 02 July, Ukrinform reported on the discovery of cluster munitions in the Drohobych community of Ukraine’s Lviv region. This comes after the recent Russian missile and drone strike. The munitions, described as round, gray, and buried under debris or soil, were found at the site of a strike on a critical infrastructure facility. Authorities warned the public that these unexploded submunitions are extremely dangerous within a 30-meter radius. Explosives experts and emergency services were deployed and to remain under strict control.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 02 July, Russian forces claimed to have destroyed a German-made Leopard 2A6 tank in Ukraine’s Sumy region using a kamikaze drone. This was confirmed by Russia’s Defence Ministry and RIA Novosti, which released footage of the strike. In the video, the tank was targeted near the village of Pisarevka. This comes after Russia’s push into the region to create a buffer zone along its border. The incident fuelled concerns about the Leopard 2A6’s battlefield survivability among German media, citing the tank’s high maintenance demands and vulnerability to modern weapons.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 02 July, the White House confirmed that shipments of ammunition and missiles to Ukraine were paused. This was mainly due to concerns over the depletion of US military stockpiles. US Spokesperson Anna Kelly stated the decision follows a Department of Defense review and was made to prioritize US national interests. She emphasized that the strength of the US military remains firm, referring to the tensions with Iran. However, Pentagon officials have yet to publicly comment. According to Congress and the Department of Defense indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the suspension is amid rising concerns over the US military’s readiness. This includes Patriot air defence interceptors, thousands of 155 mm Howitzer shells, over 100 Hellfire missiles, more than 250 GMLRS precision-guided systems, and Stinger and AIM missiles and grenade launchers.
References
“Ukraine war briefing: Washington downplays halt of some weapons shipments as Kyiv calls in US ambassador,” The Guardian, 03 July 2025
“MoD turns to U.S. for clarifications on defense supplies,” Ukrinform, 02 July 2025
“Two children among five injured in Russia's air attack on Odesa, Ukraine says,” Reuters, 03 July 2025
“Russian military destroys Leopard in Ukraine – media (VIDEO),:” RT, 02 July 2025
“White House confirms halt in ammunition and missile deliveries to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 03 July
“Missile strike on Lviv region: Cluster munitions found in Drohobych community,” Ukrinform, 02 July 2025