The aftermath of an attack in Makhachkala, Republic of Dagestan.
Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a deadly Ukrainian missile strike in Sevastopol, Crimea. The attack, which used US-supplied ATACMS missiles, killed four people, including two children, and injured around 150 others. The Kremlin has condemned the strike and promised consequences, emphasizing the US’s role in the conflict.
On Sunday, a Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol in occupied Crimea resulted in the deaths of four people, including two children, and injured approximately 150 others as debris fell on a nearby beach. The Russian defense ministry claimed the missiles used in the attack were US-supplied ATACMS, programmed by American specialists.
Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov labeled the strike as “barbaric,” accusing the US of “killing Russian children.” He referred to recent statements by President Vladimir Putin, who has vowed to target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine. Moscow attributed the casualties to falling debris after its air defenses intercepted five missiles loaded with cluster warheads launched by Ukrainian forces.
Footage on Russian state TV showed chaotic scenes on the beach in the Uchkuyevka area, with people fleeing from falling debris and injured individuals being carried away on sun loungers.
Russia’s defense ministry and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the role of the US in supplying and programming the ATACMS missiles. Lavrov reiterated that these missiles require the direct participation of the American military, including satellite guidance.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated that Ukraine makes its own targeting decisions and conducts its own military operations. However, Dmitry Peskov insisted on the US’s direct involvement, stating that it cannot go without consequences.
Following the attack, the Russian foreign ministry summoned US Ambassador Lynne Tracy. Lavrov claimed that the US involvement in the attack was undeniable.
Russia has repeatedly threatened to target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine, claiming they are legitimate military targets. Earlier this month, Putin warned of asymmetric responses to such supplies, suggesting that Russia could supply similar weapons to regions where Western countries might be targeted.
Ukrainian officials defended the strike, stating that Crimea is a legitimate target. Mykhailo Podolyak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, described the peninsula as a “large military camp” with numerous military targets that Russians are allegedly hiding behind civilians.
The UN’s human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine reported that at least 10,000 civilians have been killed since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, though the actual figure is likely much higher.
The recent missile strike in Crimea has escalated tensions between Russia and the US, with Russia blaming the US for the casualties and promising repercussions. This incident highlights the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict and the international involvement in the ongoing war.
