As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its 849th day, Russian forces continue to use destructive weapons against Ukrainian cities and towns. According to various sources, including Al Jazeera and Business Insider, Russian guided bombs have struck several areas in Ukraine, causing significant damage and casualties.
On June 23, at least three people were killed and over 50 were injured when a Russian guided bomb shattered an apartment building in Kharkiv. Another missile attack on the Kyiv region overnight left two people injured and caused extensive damage to residential and other buildings (Al Jazeera).
Ukraine launched at least 30 drones overnight, targeting Russia's western region of Bryansk with no reported damage. However, Russian-installed officials reported that Ukrainian attack drones also struck Enerhodar, a town near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, wounding one person (Al Jazeera).
Russian forces have been increasing their use of glide bombs against Ukraine. Business Insider reported that Russia used a 6,600-pound glide bomb for the first time in Ukraine on June 23. Glide bombs are standoff weapons that are difficult to intercept due to their short flight times, small radar signatures, and non-ballistic trajectories (Business Insider).
Russia has nearly unlimited supplies of these bombs and is constructing new airstrips just across the border from Ukraine to dispatch them. At least eight Russian air bases have been identified as being used to launch attacks against Ukraine, all within 100 kilometers (60 miles) of the border (AP).
The glide bombs have hit Kharkiv more than 50 times this year, killing 19 people including two children. The latest attack on June 23 targeted a megastore in the city, leaving it an ashen shell (AP).
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev reportedly said that Russia's athletes, mostly barred from participating in the Paris Olympics, will soon take part in more competitions. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned far-right leader Nigel Farage's claim that the West provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine as completely wrong and playing into Putin's hands (Al Jazeera).
Moscow may change the timing for use of its nuclear weapons if threats against Russia increase, according to Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian lower house's defence committee. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Ukraine's Western allies to deliver promised military aid packages without delay (Al Jazeera).
Sources: Al Jazeera, Business Insider, AP
