Overnight Strike on Kyiv Destroys Director's Home and Damages Property of Singer Laud

July 2 Attack on Kyiv

According to Главком: During the night of July 2, Kyiv came under attack, resulting in the complete destruction of the home belonging to director Oleh Chorny and his wife, Iryna Plekhova. The couple managed to escape as the shelling occurred, but their apartment was entirely consumed by fire.

Plekhova shared her emotional account, stating:

'Our building is on fire. We had to flee once more. The assault is still ongoing. I cannot put my state into words. This is no longer fear or confusion-we are powerless to do anything.' Iryna Plekhova

Additionally, the apartment of singer Laud-who earned a silver medal in Ukraine's national selection for Eurovision 2026-was also severely damaged in the attack. Plekhova remarked, 'We no longer have an apartment. I am sharing photos of our place, but none of the archives survived, not a single painting, icon, book, or disc… Nothing.'

Aftermath of the Attack

Beneath the rubble of the building, the mother of TV host Tala Kalatai was trapped. Neighbors came to her rescue, pulling her out from under the debris. According to the State Emergency Service (SES), 13 people were killed in the attack, though the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office later reported 18 fatalities. More than 30 individuals were injured as well.

The destruction took place in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, highlighting the escalating threat to civilians as the conflict intensifies.

This assault ranks among the most devastating for civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's capital in recent times, underscoring the brutality of the war and its toll on everyday people. The situation in Kyiv remains tense, and the loss of homes and possessions endangers the future of many residents. Such incidents raise alarm not only within Ukraine but also internationally, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.

The recent attack on Kyiv is not an isolated incident, as similar assaults continue to threaten the safety of the city's residents. For instance, a major strike also targeted a church of the Moscow Patriarchate, resulting in significant damage and casualties. Such events highlight the ongoing peril faced by both civilian life and cultural landmarks in the region. To learn more about the impact of these attacks, you can read about the church's damage and the casualties reported here.