First responders extinguish a fire in an apartment block damaged by a Russian strike on Kharkiv in northeast Ukriane, June 22, 2024

Saturday’s Coverage: “Historic Moments” — EU Accession Talks to Begin with Kyiv and Moldova

Map: Institute for the Study of War

UPDATE 1710 GMT:

At least one civilian has been killed and 11 wounded in another Russian glide bomb attack on Kharkiv city in northeast Ukraine.

An educational facility, multi-story residential buildings, homes, and an industrial area have been struck. Part of the city is without power, and the metro is shut.

UPDATE 1659 GMT:

Internal Russian trade data indicates Moscow may have received 1.6 million artillery shells from North Korea over six months.

The data fom August 2023 to January 2024, obtained by the nonprofit Center for Advanced Defense Studies, shows that Russia moved 74,000 metric tons of explosives from two ports in the far east to 16 sites across the country, most of them near the border with Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence assesses that since summer 2023 North Korea has supplied up to 4.8 million artillery shells to Russia, helping Moscow sustain a 7:1 advantage over the Ukrainians, and ballistic missiles for attacks on energy infrastructure and other civilian sites.

In return, Russia has assisted North Korea’s satellite programme; supplied arms and aircraft; stepped up economic aid; and given diplomatic support.

Last week Vladimir Putin, visiting North Korea for the first time in 25 years, signed a “strategic partnership agreement” and mutual defense pact with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

See also EA on Dublin NewsTalk: “Axis of the Isolated” — Putin in North Korea

UPDATE 0709 GMT:

Ukrainian drone attacks on Friday destroyed a Russian base for the storage of Iran-type drones and training of personnel who operate them.

The Ukraine Navy released satellite imagery confirming the damage on the base in the Krasnodar region in southwest Russia. It also indicated that there were casualties among instructors and cadets.

UPDATE 0703 GMT:

Ukraine’s air defenses downed two of three Kalibr cruise missiles, launched from the Sea of Azov, overnight.

In the Kyiv region, damage was reported to 33 apartments and houses; an employment center; a heating distribution facility; a business enterprise; a driving school; a pharmacy; a gas station; a shop, and a hotel.

UPDATE 0700 GMT:

Two civilians were killed and four injured by Russian attacks on the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine on Saturday.

The fatalities were in the town of Toretsk.

ORIGINAL ENTRY: Russia’s latest strikes on Kharkiv city in northeast Ukraine have killed three civilians and injured 54.

Two of the wounded were girls aged 12 and 13. Four people are in serious condition.

Moscow has recently intensified deadly attacks against Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city with the use of missiles, glide bombs, and drones, destroying energy infrastructure and other civilian sites.

See also Ukraine War, Day 823: Russia Kills 16+ in Strike on Hypermarket in Kharkiv

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy commented soon after Saturday’s attack:

This Russian terror with guided aerial bombs must and can be stopped. Bold decisions from our partners are needed so that we can destroy Russian terrorists and Russian combat aircraft where they are.

In his nightly address to the nation, Zelenskiy noted, “Since the beginning of this June alone, Russians have used more than 2,400 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine. Of these, around 700 have been targeted at the Kharkiv region, striking our positions, our cities, and communities.”

He reiterated, “Modern air defense systems for Ukraine – such as Patriots, accelerated training of our pilots for F-16s, and most importantly, sufficient range for our weapons – are truly necessary. Necessary for the protection of lives – and solely for this purpose.”