Explosions at military airfield in occupied Melitopol and in Russian Belgorod: last night's highlights

A series of explosions rocked the Russian city of Belgorod, and the regional governor reported deaths and injuries. Explosions also occurred near the military airfield in the temporarily occupied Melitopol. Here is what you may have missed from the previous night.

Explosions in Belgorod

In the Russian city of Belgorod, located near the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, several explosions were heard at night. The governor of the region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed the "series of loud noises" in Belgorod. "The reasons for what happened are being clarified, probably the anti-aircraft defense was activated," he wrote.

Subsequently, Gladkov announced three dead, four wounded, partial destruction of 11 apartment buildings and 39 private houses (five of them completely).

Explosions in Melitopol

In the temporarily occupied city of Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, explosions were also heard at night and in the morning. The local Ukrainian media outlet RIA Melitopol reported a "massive attack" on the military airfield where the Russian occupiers are based. It is located in the Aviamistechko neighborhood.

The Russian propagandist RIA Novosti writes that "Ukrainian troops shelled Melitopol twice during the night." The publication notes that the Aviamistechko neighborhood came under fire, but does not indicate that the airfield was hit.

A strike on Dobropillya

On July 2, Russian occupiers shelled the town of Dobropillya, Donetsk Oblast, killing at least two civilians. Three more people were injured, among them two children – 4 and 7 years old.

Consequences of the Russian attack on Dobropillya in Donetsk Oblast, July 2, 2022. Photo: Screenshot / Pavlo Kyrylenko

Successes of Ukrainian aviation

Aviation of the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed two control points of the Russian occupiers, two ammunition warehouses and up to 30 units of military equipment on July 2. Ukrainian aviators worked in virtually all axes of the front — in the Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhya, Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts. During the day, they made almost 15 group flights.

Water supply issues in Mariupol

The adviser to the mayor of Mariupol, Petro Andryushchenko, said that only up to 5% of residents who currently live in Mariupol have access to water supply. Therefore, according to him, this is the main problem in the temporarily occupied city.

The enemy tried to recapture the liberated Ivanivka

Russian occupying forces made an attempt to regain the lost position near the recently liberated Ivanovka. Ukrainian units also repelled an attempt by the Russians to carry out a reconnaissance by combat in the direction of Ivanivka — the occupiers had to retreat.

The command also said that near Ivanivka "as a bonus to the liberated territories" the Armed Forces captured four trophy infantry fighting vehicles.

8 heads of local self-government are in captivity

As of July 2, 8 city, village and settlement heads from Kherson, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhya oblasts are being held captive by the Russians, the Association of Cities of Ukraine reported. Among the prisoners, in particular, is the mayor of Kherson Ihor Kolykhayev.

Some reservoirs in Kyiv Oblast remain mined

Part of the territory of the Kyiv Oblast, in particular some water reservoirs, may still be mined. Local authorities urge residents to visit only official beaches and recreation zones.