Ukrainska Pravda

Emergency workers have found a deceased person while dealing with the aftermath of the Russian large-scale attack on Kyiv on 4 July.

Source: Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram; State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Facebook

Quote from Tkachenko: "While dealing with the aftermath of the attack in the Sviatoshynskyi district, emergency workers found a deceased person."

Details: Emergency workers said that they had retrieved a body from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the large-scale Russian attack.

In total, 26 people were injured in Kyiv, including one child. Psychologists from the State Emergency Service provided assistance to 39 people.

The aftermath of the attack is still being dealt with: firefighters are extinguishing fires and clearing the rubble. More than 300 tonnes of construction debris have already been removed.

Dog handlers, 512 emergency workers, 135 units of SES equipment including a fire-fighting robot, as well as police, Red Cross volunteers and other city services are working at the scenes of the strikes.

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has said that the Kremlin is paying close attention to statements made by US President Donald Trump, who previously expressed his disappointment with the results of his conversation with Vladimir Putin.

Source: Interfax, a Russian news outlet; Telegram channel Vy Slushali Mayak (You listened to the Lighthouse) with reference to Peskov

Quote from Peskov: "Of course, we are paying very close attention to all of President Trump's statements. During the conversation, President Putin reiterated that we are interested in achieving our goals during the special operation [as the Russians refer to the Russo-Ukrainian war – ed.], and preferably doing so through political and diplomatic means." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Details: Peskov said that as long as it is impossible to achieve these goals "by diplomatic means", Russia will continue its so-called special operation, i.e., full-scale war against Ukraine.

Peskov also noted that Putin informed Trump that he’s waiting for the dates of the third round of direct negotiations with Ukraine to be agreed.

Background:

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin announced that he would have a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on 3 July.Trump later confirmed the telephone conversation with Putin, which was to take place at 10:00 US time (17:00 Kyiv time).After the conversation, the US president said that he had not made any progress in talks with Putin on ending Russia's war against Ukraine.In another comment to the media about his conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump said that the Russian ruler had no intention of ending the war.

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A warehouse of the book publishing house and online shop Nash Format was damaged in a Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on 4 July.

Source: PEN Ukraine; Nash Format on Facebook

Details: In particular, the facade of the building was significantly damaged due to the blast wave from the explosion and debris – all of the windows were broken, the ceiling was damaged, part of the walls collapsed and the inside of the warehouse and an office was destroyed.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

In addition, many books were damaged during the attack and subsequent firefighting.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

"But the most important thing is that no one was injured or dead. We can replace the iron and concrete, reprint the books," Nash Format noted.

The publishing house also emphasised that the sending of orders was temporarily suspended, because the entire team is working on resuming work.

Photo: nash Format on Facebook

"The website and call centre of the online shop are working and we are ready to answer all questions about orders. We plan to resume shipping next week. Thank you to all readers for your understanding," they conclude.

Background:

A warehouse and office belonging to the Ukrainskyi Priorytet (Ukrainian Priority), another publishing house, were completely destroyed in a Russian attack that took place on the night of 16-17 June.On 23 May 2024, the Russians hit the Faktor-Druk printing house in Kharkiv. Fifty thousand books were burned, seven people were killed and 22 employees injured. In addition to Vivat books, Factor-Druk produced books for KSD, Ranok, Folio, Svichado, Zelenyi Pes and other publishers.In September 2024, Factor-Druk resumed its work. Half a year later, in March, its premises were renovated. American businessman and billionaire philanthropist Howard Buffett helped in this effort.

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As part of the Istanbul agreements, another group of Ukrainians was brought back to Ukraine from Russian captivity on 4 July. This group consists of defenders who had sustained serious injuries and seriously ill service members, as well as fighters under the age of 25.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram; Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Our people are home. Most of them had been in Russian captivity since 2022.

Today, our defenders who have fought for Ukraine in various regions are coming back: Donetsk Oblast, the city of Mariupol in particular, and Luhansk, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts. These are service members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the State Border Service, and the State Special Transport Service. There are also civilians."

The Coordination Headquarters noted that the youngest freed defender is only 20 years old, and the oldest is 59. In addition to soldiers and sergeants, officers were also freed.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of WarPhoto: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Among those freed today are again defenders of Mariupol who had been held captive since 2022.

The vast majority of those released had been in captivity for more than three years.

Ukrainians who defended the country in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk and Kherson oblasts are returning home.

Today, illegally convicted defenders and Ukrainian civilians deprived of their personal freedom were released from Russian captivity.

Quote: "The exchange process in accordance with the Istanbul Agreements continues. The exact number of people released will be announced after all stages of the exchange are completed."

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The Security and Information Service of Czechia (BIS) will investigate Czech companies that may have exported equipment to Russia for weapons manufacturing.

Source: iRozhlas citing BIS spokesperson Ladislav Šticha, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Czech news outlet reports that BIS will launch an investigation into companies named by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has stated that eight Czech companies may be supplying Russia with machine tools intended for weapons production.

"As soon as we receive the list, we will investigate these companies and shops," Šticha said.

He noted that hundreds of companies are attempting to export goods to Russia.

"We have not yet received the official list of potential domestic exporters, so it is difficult to comment on which companies and goods are involved," Šticha said in response to a question about whether BIS already knows which companies Zelenskyy was referring to.

He added that a significant share of goods now subject to embargoes had been exported before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when sanctions were not yet in place.

"However, almost certainly, this would not have been direct export from Czechia to Russia, as this is impossible without a licence and such goods could not have crossed the border legally," he explained.

Šticha highlighted that the goods in question may have been supplied before 2022 or re-exported through third countries.

He also noted that many companies apply for export licences to so-called safe countries, including EU states. While they are required to ensure that the buyer is the end-user, goods are sometimes resold and re-exported to Russia through intermediaries. "Companies often claim they were unaware of the resale, and it is very difficult to prove otherwise," Šticha said.

The spokesperson also pointed to a lack of funding and personnel to combat the export of embargoed goods.

"This area requires more and more financial and human resources. Right now, there are neither. Only a few dozen state experts are dealing with hundreds of companies trying to export goods to Russia," he concluded.

Background:

In early 2025, a scheme to supply sanctioned equipment to Russia was uncovered in Lithuania. Similar violations have been reported involving a German company.In late June, Finnish customs announced an investigation into suspected shipments of sanctioned goods to Russia between 2022 and 2023 involving a company from Finland's east.

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As part of efforts to reduce the Russians’ ability to launch airstrikes, units of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, in cooperation with other components of the defence forces, struck the Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry in Russia’s Moscow Oblast on 4 July.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: It is noted that at present, the facility in Sergiev Posad, Russia’s Moscow Oblast, manufactures, in particular, thermobaric warheads for Shahed-type UAVs and is an important link in the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine.

It has been confirmed that Ukrainian assets directly hit the target. A fire and heavy smoke were observed near the facility.

The results of the strike are being confirmed.

Background: Russian authorities have reported a drone attack on several settlements in Rostov Oblast and the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow on the night of 3-4 July.

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When the Russians launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July, not only people but also local street dogs took shelter in the Teremky metro station.

Source: the animal welfare organisation UAnimals

Details: "During tonight's attack, a local dog was also in the shelter with everyone else. No one chased the dog away; on the contrary, everyone greeted it with smiles and understanding," wrote user Zhenia (@sntsv__art) on Threads.

Photo: UA ANIMALs on FacebookPhoto: UA ANIMALs on Facebook

Volunteers urged people to always go down to shelter during air-raid warnings and allow stray animals to wait out the attack there, too.

"We advise you to prepare an emergency bag for your cats or dogs in advance. Pack some dry food, water in a special bottle with a drinking container, and your pet's favourite toy. Take any medication your pet may need," UAnimals said.

Background:

From the evening of 3 July and throughout the night of 3-4 July, the Russians carried out a large-scale strike with drones and ballistic missiles on the city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, as well as the cities of Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The main target of the strike was the capital.Fires and damage to residential buildings were reported in six districts of the capital. As of the morning of 4 July, 23 people were known to have been injured. Among them was a 10-year-old girl.

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Three Democratic US senators have launched an investigation into the reasons behind the more than five-month pause by President Donald Trump's administration in introducing new sanctions against Russia due to its war against Ukraine.

Source: The Hill, citing a joint statement by senators Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons

Details: The senators stated that since the beginning of President Trump's second term, the US has not imposed any new sanctions against Russia and, in some cases, has even eased existing restrictions.

"Instead of taking clearly available steps to pressure the aggressors, President Trump is doing nothing and we will be investigating this missed opportunity to push for an end to this war," the senators said in a joint statement.

According to The New York Times, Washington under President Joe Biden imposed over 6,200 sanctions – averaging more than 170 per month – targeting companies, trade and financial operations that support Russia's war machine.

The senators believe that the lack of pressure from the US is allowing Putin to continue waging war against Ukraine.

"Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead letting the aggressor run rampant," they wrote.

Quote: "On top of halting key assistance to Ukraine, President Trump has blocked regular updates to our sanctions and export controls for five months and counting – enabling a growing wave of evaders in China and around the world to continue supplying Russia's war machine."

Details: The senators added that the refusal to use existing tools "emboldens Putin to keep fighting".

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French President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump late on 3 July. One of the topics was Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda with reference to The Guardian citing sources in the Élysée Palace

Details: A source at the Élysée Palace said the presidents discussed Iran, Ukraine and the ongoing EU-US tariff talks.

Macron also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in Iran and Gaza on Thursday.

**Background:**On the evening of 3 July, Trump spoke with the Kremlin leader. Following the conversation, the US president said that he had not made any progress on the ceasefire in Ukraine.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the large-scale combined Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of 3-4 July, which took place after a telephone conversation between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, is evidence of the Kremlin's disrespect towards the United States.

Source: a statement by Sybiha, as reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

Details: Sybiha noted that the Russian attack on the night of 3-4 July was "one of the worst so far".

Quote: "Hundreds of Russian drones and ballistic missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital. Right after Putin spoke with President Trump. And he does it on purpose. Enough of waiting! Putin clearly shows his complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war."

Details: The minister called for Russia to be punished with "the toughest sanctions" and for Ukraine to be provided with all the necessary defence assets.

Quote: "Wrong decisions can only encourage the aggressor to escalate terror. Every criminal regime in the world is now watching Putin’s actions closely and responding to them. If he gets away with all of this, everyone will get a very clear message," Sybiha said.

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations.On the evening of 3 July, Trump held a phone conversation with Putin. He then said that there had been no progress on ceasing fire in Ukraine.

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The Ukrainian quadcopter-type R-34-T drone, which can provide laser targeting for strikes on enemy targets, has been officially approved for use by units of the Ukrainian defence forces.

Source: Mezha Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda’s holding company; Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

Details: The drone's main feature is a laser that will light up targets for strikes with precision munitions. It is already known that the drone will be used for airstrikes with guided bombs and artillery strikes with precision munitions.

The Ministry of Defence notes that laser targeting will significantly increase the effectiveness of guided munitions over long distances and in conditions of active enemy air defence and electronic warfare.

The R-34-T has secure communication channels, modular construction, and resistance to electronic warfare. These features allow more efficient use of available resources on the battlefield, minimise ammunition consumption, and reduce risks for operators and combat units.

The approved drone is a modification of the Ukrainian R-34 bomber drone developed by FRDM GROUP. It is already being used on the front line and was recently presented at the International Drone Show 2025 in Denmark.

In addition to drones, the company has developed a number of other technological solutions. For example, the D-21 robotic platform or the D-12 automated turret.

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A Russian drone strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast left three people injured on the morning of 4 July.

Source: Yevhen Sytnychenko, Head of Kryvyi Rih District State Administration; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration

Quote from Sytnychenko: "The enemy has attacked the city of Kryvyi Rih with UAVs. Early reports indicate two men have been injured. A fire broke out at the scene."

Details: Sytnychenko said all the circumstances of the incident are currently being established.

Update: Later, Oleksandr Vilkul, Head of the Kryvyi Rih Defence Council, said that the Russians had hit a civilian infrastructure facility; three people were injured.

"At the moment, three injured have been injured, none in a serious condition. A civilian infrastructure facility was struck. A large fire has broken out. We are all working on the spot," Vilkul said.

Vilkul also added that the high-speed tram "will not work for several hours" as restoration work continues.

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The consular department of the Polish Embassy in Kyiv was damaged as a result of a Russian combined strike on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: On the morning of 4 July, Sikorski said that the consular department of the Polish embassy had been damaged during a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv.

"I just spoke with Ambassador [Piotr] Łukasiewicz; everyone is alive and well. Ukraine urgently needs air defence systems," the Polish foreign minister added.

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations. Kyiv was the main target of the attack.Fires and damage to residential buildings were recorded in six districts of the capital. It was reported that 19 people had sustained injuries.A Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July has caused damage to the Ukrainian railway network. Passenger train traffic is partially restricted, and some trains are delayed by up to two hours.As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 9-10 June, a building near the European Union delegation to Ukraine was damaged.

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Several branches and the sorting office of Nova Poshta (New Post), the largest private postal operator in Ukraine, were damaged during a large-scale Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Nova Poshta

Details: Branch No. 114 was damaged but is still operating.

Branch No. 226 was damaged and is operating in limited mode (only deliveries), with no way for vehicles to enter the branch territory. All parcels that were on their way to this branch will be redirected to branch No. 359.

The premises of a sorting office were hit. Two cars burned out. Employees and cargo were not affected. Work has been resumed.

Nova Poshta said that branch No. 223 was damaged by the nighttime attack the most. None of the employees or customers of Nova Poshta were harmed – the branch was closed at the time of the strike. Police and the State Emergency Service are currently working at the scene of the strike.

"All parcels have remained intact. In the near future, they and all shipments destined for the damaged branch No. 223 will be redirected to branch No. 122," the company said.

Nova Poshta is already contacting customers and providing all the necessary information.

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, the Russians carried out a large-scale attack on Kyiv with strike drones and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings were reported in six districts of the city.As a result of Russia's nighttime attack on Kyiv, the railway infrastructure was damaged. Passenger train traffic is partially restricted, and some trains are delayed by up to two hours.

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Dutch intelligence services have collected evidence of Russia's large-scale use of banned chemical weapons in the war against Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a comment to Reuters

Details: Brekelmans said that his country's intelligence can confirm that Russia is increasing its use of chemical weapons, and he called for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

"This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalised, standardised, and widespread," Brekelmans said.

Peter Reesink, Head of the Dutch military intelligence, said the conclusions were based on "our own independent intelligence".

Brekelmans said that at least three Ukrainian deaths were related to the use of chemical weapons, and more than 2,500 people wounded on the battlefield reported chemical weapons-related symptoms to Ukrainian health authorities.

Reesink, for his part, spoke of "thousands of instances" of chemical weapons use, referring to Ukrainian data on 9,000 cases.

"We must further increase the pressure. This means looking at more sanctions and specifically not allowing them (Russia) to participate in international bodies like the Executive Council of the OPCW," Reesink said.

The Dutch military and general intelligence services, in cooperation with foreign partners, say they have found concrete evidence of Russia's intensification of chemical weapons production.

Reesink said this includes increased research capabilities and the recruitment of scientists to develop chemical weapons. He emphasised that Russian officials have instructed soldiers on how to use toxic chemical warfare agents.

"This isn't just some ad-hoc tinkering at the frontline; it is truly part of a large-scale programme. And that is, of course, also concerning because if we don't clarify and publicise what Russia is doing, it's highly likely these trends will continue," Reesink said.

The head of the Dutch military intelligence emphasised that the use of chemical weapons by the Russian armed forces is "almost standing operating procedure".

"We specifically linked the use of chloropicrin to improvised munitions, such as filled light bulbs and empty bottles that are hung from a drone. When it comes to teargas, we see that they are also misusing and converting existing munitions to act as the carrier for the gas," Reesink said.

Chloropicrin is listed as a banned choking agent by the OPCW, which was established to implement and monitor compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention.

It can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause burns to the mouth and stomach, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Background:

In May 2024, the United States justified its sanctions against Russia by claiming that Russian troops had used a banned chemical agent, chloropicrin, against the Ukrainian armed forces.In October, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on three Russian entities and one individual in connection with the use of chemical weapons by the Russian military against Ukraine.

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Fires have broken out and multiple facilities have been damaged in Kyiv Oblast as a result of a large-scale Russian attack. A school, a canine training centre, residential buildings and vehicles have all sustained damage.

Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook

Quote: "In Bucha district, an apartment block, two houses and several vehicles have been damaged.

In the Fastiv district, fires in the roof of an apartment building and garage units have been extinguished. A canine training centre building, three vehicles and windows in three apartments in high-rise buildings have been damaged.

In Brovary district, windows in an educational institution have been damaged."

The aftermath of the attack**Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Details: Kalashnyk said that the air-raid warning in the oblast lasted for over 15 hours, but no casualties have been reported.

Firefighters working at the scene**Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Quote: "Air defence systems were active in the region. Some enemy targets were shot down… Tonight, as part of an experimental project, around 60 enemy drones were intercepted. In total, nearly 550 enemy UAVs have already been downed over Kyiv Oblast during several months of the project’s operation."

The aftermath of the attack**Photo: Kalashnyk on Telegram

Background: On the night of 3-4 July, the Russians launched a large-scale attack on Kyiv Oblast using strike drones. According to initial reports, residential buildings were damaged in Bucha and Fastiv districts.

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The number of people injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July has risen to 23.

Source: Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote from Klitschko: "As of now, 23 people are known to have been injured in the enemy attack on the capital. Fourteen of them have been hospitalised. The others have received treatment at the scene or on an outpatient basis."

Affected high-rise building**Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The State Emergency Service wrote that a 10-year-old girl is among those injured.

Firefighter**Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The Russians attacked civilians and civilian infrastructure, damaging residential buildings as well as educational, medical and transport facilities.

Rescue worker reaching an apartment**Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The State Emergency Service and police officers continue working at the scenes.

Firefighter**Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Klitschko said five ambulances had been damaged during the attack while responding to calls from affected Kyiv residents.

Damaged ambulance**Photo: Klitschko on Telegram

Quote from Klitschko: "According to the information currently available, none of the medical workers were injured."

Background:

On the night of 3-4 July, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Kyiv with attack UAVs and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings have been reported in six of the city’s districts. Early reports indicate that 19 people have been injured.Railway infrastructure was damaged in the nighttime Russian attack on Kyiv. Passenger train traffic has been partially restricted, with some services delayed by up to two hours.Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with 550 drones and missiles since 18:00 on 3 July. Ukrainian air defence units successfully downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits were recorded and debris fell in 33 locations. The city of Kyiv was the main target.

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Russia has lost 1,120 soldiers killed and wounded as well as more than 380 weapons and pieces of military equipment over the past day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 4 July 2025 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses – ed.]:

approximately 1,024,210 (+1,120) military personnel;10,988 (+2) tanks;22,946 (+10) armoured combat vehicles;29,865 (+50) artillery systems;1,428 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems;1,191 (+0) air defence systems;420 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;340 (+0) helicopters;43,303 (+205) operational-tactical UAVs;3,436 (+0) cruise missiles;28 (+0) ships/boats;1 (+0) submarine;53,999 (+112) vehicles and fuel tankers;3,925 (+3) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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Following a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 3-4 July, air pollution levels in Kyiv are high on the morning of Friday 4 July.

Source: Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine

Details: The cause of the deterioration in air quality is fires caused by Russia's large-scale attack on the night of 3-4 July.

*Air pollution in Kyiv.*Map: saveecobot.com

Until the situation stabilises, Kyiv residents are advised to avoid being outdoors if possible, not to ventilate rooms, to maintain water balance, and, if they have an air purifier, to turn it on to maximum. People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases should pay particular attention to this advice.

The radiation background in the city remains normal.

Background:

From 18:00 on 3 July, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a record 550 aerial assets. Of them, 478 targets were destroyed, but there were strikes in eight locations and debris fell in 33 locations.The main target of the Russian strike was the city of Kyiv. Medical reports indicate that 23 people were injured in the attack on the capital. Fourteen of them were taken to hospital. The others were treated at the scene or  on an outpatient basis. Numerous fires broke out.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine during four hours of talks with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Source: South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper, citing several individuals familiar with the talks

Details: Sources reported that during a closed-door meeting with Kallas, Wang Yi said that Russia's defeat is unacceptable to Beijing. He explained this position by expressing concern that the United States would then fully shift its attention to China.

This statement effectively confirms what many in Brussels consider to be Beijing's real stance, although officially China continues to assert that it "is not a party to this conflict".

Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post source said that Wang Yi categorically rejected accusations of financial or military support for Russia. He noted that the war would have ended long ago if China were truly assisting Moscow.

Sources stated that Wang repeatedly gave Kallas "historical lectures" during the tense four-hour discussion.

Background: During his visit to Moscow on 8 May, Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed support for Russia, described Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin as an ally in building a new world order and confirmed their joint position on the war against Ukraine.

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A total of 148 combat clashes have been recorded on the battlefield over the past day, with 54 of them occurring on the Pokrovsk front.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 08:00 on 4 July

Quote: "In total, 148 combat clashes were recorded over the past day. Yesterday, the enemy launched two missile strikes and 67 airstrikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, using two missiles and 109 guided bombs.

In addition, it carried out 6,527 attacks, including 119 from multiple-launch rocket systems, and used 3,786 kamikaze drones to strike targets."

Details: On the North Slobozhanshchyna front and in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 Russian attacks. Over the past day, the Russians have conducted 11 airstrikes, dropping a total of 21 guided aerial bombs, and conducted 333 artillery attacks, particularly two from multiple-launch rocket systems.

On the South Slobozhanshchyna front, there were 10 combat clashes near the settlements of Vovchansk and Ambarne.

On the Kupiansk front, four Russian attacks have been recorded over the past day. Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian assaults near the settlements of Kindrashivka and Zahryzove and towards Petropavlivka.

On the Lyman front, the Russians attacked 19 times, trying to break through Ukrainian defences near the settlements of Novyi Myr, Hrekivka, Ridkodub, Karpivka, Kolodiazi, Zelena Dolyna, Torske and Nadiia and towards Serebrianka, Dronivka and Shandryholove.

On the Siversk front, four Russian attacks occurred near Vyimka, Serebrianka and Fedorivka.

On the Kramatorsk front, Ukrainian defence forces repelled a Russian attack towards Bila Hora.

On the Toretsk front, the Russians conducted seven attacks near Rusyn Yar and Yablunivka and towards Pleshchiivka, Oleksandro-Kalynove and Katerynivka.

On the Pokrovsk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 54 Russian assaults near the settlements of Myrne, Novotoretske, Myroliubivka, Malynivka, Razine, Promin, Udachne, Novoserhiivka, Horikhove, Oleksiivka and Dachne and towards Novoekonomichne, Novopavlivka, Myrnohrad, Novopidhorodne and Sofiivka.

On the Novopavlivka front, the Ukrainian defence forces repelled 13 Russian attacks yesterday near the settlements of Zaporizhzhia, Komar, Vilne Pole, Myrne and Piddubne and towards Andriivka-Klevtsove.

On the Huliaipole front, the Russians carried out an attempt to advance near Novozlatopil.

On the Orikhiv front, the Russians assaulted the positions of Ukraine’s defence forces once in the vicinity of Novopavlivka.

On the Prydniprovske front, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled three Russian attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian aircraft and Rocket Forces and Artillery units hit two Russian command posts, four artillery pieces and 18 areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated.

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Russian forces have attacked Ukraine with 550 drones and missiles since 18:00 on 3 July. Ukrainian air defence units have successfully downed 478 aerial assets, but eight hits have been recorded and debris has fallen in 33 locations.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: The Russians launched 539 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of various types (over 330 of them were Shahed drones), one Kh‑47M2 Kinzhal aero‑ballistic missile, six Iskander‑M/KN‑23 ballistic missiles and four Iskander‑K cruise missiles on Ukraine.

The city of Kyiv was the main target.

Quote: "Hits by enemy aerial assets were recorded at eight locations (nine missiles and 63 UAVs) and falling debris at 33 locations."

Details: The Air Force managed to down two Iskander‑K cruise missiles and 268 drones. Another 208 UAVs disappeared from radar or were suppressed by electronic warfare.

"Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups from Ukraine's defence forces were involved in repelling the attack," the statement said.

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Russian forces have attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with UAVs, FPV drones and artillery, damaging infrastructure and residential buildings.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Air defenders downed 14 enemy UAVs over the oblast overnight and in the early morning. A house and two garages were damaged in the attack on the Mohyliv hromada in the Dnipro district." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

*Damage caused by the Russian attack.*Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: The Russians used artillery and FPV drones to attack the Nikopol district. The city of Nikopol as well as the Pokrovske, Marhanets and Myrove hromadas came under Russian fire. Infrastructure and a house were damaged there.

Lysak said no casualties had been recorded.

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Russian authorities have reported a drone attack on several settlements in Rostov Oblast and the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow on the night of 3-4 July.

Source: Acting Rostov Oblast Governor Yury Slyusar; Oksana Yerokhanova, head of Sergiyevo-Posadsky city district; Russian Defence Ministry

Details: Slyusar said drones had attacked several cities in Rostov Oblast. Several cars were allegedly damaged and windows in residential buildings shattered in the city of Azov, while debris from one of the UAVs fell on a local stadium.

The Russian authorities claimed that a drone destroyed a high-rise building in the village of Dolotinka: a floor slab collapsed, killing a pensioner. Twenty residents were reportedly evacuated from the damaged building.

БпЛА атакували Москву та Ростовську область Росіїhttps://t.co/fO8DpqFrtv pic.twitter.com/M4e8uE6mtA

— Українська правда ✌️ (@ukrpravda_news) July 4, 2025

Russian officials also reported a UAV attack in the Sergiyevo-Posadsky district near Moscow. Local residents reported four explosions in the Zvezdochka neighbourhood and the sound of drone engines at around 05:00. According to the head of the city district, an electric substation was damaged during the attack.

*Column of smoke.*Photo: Astra

Photos posted on social media show a column of smoke rising above the city.

Updated: Later, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed "48 Ukrainian drones" overnight.

In particular, 26 UAVs were allegedly downed over Rostov Oblast, 12 over Kursk Oblast, six over Belgorod Oblast, three over Oryol Oblast and one over Lipetsk Oblast.

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A Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July has caused damage to the Ukrainian railway network. Passenger train traffic is partially restricted, and some trains are delayed by up to two hours.

Source: Ukrzaliznytsia, a Ukrainian state-owned railways operator

Quote: "Passenger trains heading west are being diverted via Vyshneve and Darnytsia, causing delays of up to two hours.

Kyiv City Express is currently only operating on the northern half-circle Sviatoshyn – Pochaina – Darnytsia line (in both directions). Due to the combination with passenger trains, there may be changes to the timetable."

Details: The company reported that, to reduce inconvenience, it has already deployed reserve diesel locomotives to ensure the transport of passengers within the capital on the Sviatoshyn – Kyiv – Pasazhyrskyi section.

Background: From the evening of 3 July and throughout the night of 3-4 July, the Russians carried out a large-scale attack on Kyiv with strike drones and ballistic missiles. Fires and damage to residential buildings were reported in six districts of the city. Early reports indicated that 19 people had sustained injuries.

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