Sevastopol, Crimea – Russia has accused the United States of bearing responsibility for a deadly missile attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean city of Sevastopol, which left five people dead, including three children, and injured over 100 others.
The incident, which Russian officials labeled a “terrorist act,” took place on Sunday and involved U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The missile exploded above a beach area in Uchkuyevka, a popular spot known for its sandy beaches and hotels. Shrapnel from the explosion hit people who were relaxing at the beach, causing widespread casualties.
Videos circulating on social media depicted chaotic scenes of beachgoers fleeing and assisting the wounded, although AFP could not independently verify the authenticity of these videos.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol, reported in a video posted on Telegram that the attack claimed the lives of three children and two adults and left almost 120 people injured. He added that missile fragments ignited a fire that damaged a house and woodland areas.
U.S. Accused of Direct Involvement
Russia’s Defense Ministry issued a statement accusing both Washington and Kyiv of orchestrating a “deliberate missile strike on peaceful residents,” utilizing the Advanced Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) provided by the United States.
The ministry elaborated that four of the five missiles launched were intercepted by Russian air defenses over the sea, but debris from the intercepted missiles fell onto the shore, causing casualties.
The ministry also suggested that the flight paths and targets of these missiles are determined by U.S. specialists using American satellite reconnaissance data. “Such actions will not be left without a response,” the ministry warned, implying potential retaliatory measures.
Escalation of Violence
The attack on Sevastopol is notable for its high casualty count, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the region since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
Despite the annexation, Crimea is still internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, and Sevastopol, a crucial Black Sea port and naval base, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes.
On the day following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on allied nations to support Ukraine in intensifying its offensive against Russian targets.
“We have enough determination to destroy terrorists on their territory — it is only fair — and we need the same determination from our partners. We can stop Russia,” Zelensky urged in a social media post.
Tit-for-Tat Strikes
The missile attack on Sevastopol came shortly after a Russian-guided bomb strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which struck an apartment building, killing two people and injuring over 50.
On Sunday, another Russian attack hit a residential house in Kharkiv, resulting in one death and five injuries. Additionally, a separate strike on a children’s educational facility in the city wounded three people.
In retaliation, Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russia’s Belgorod region, killing one man and injuring three others. Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that three Ukrainian drones struck the town of Graivoron, with one hitting a car park near a multi-story block of flats.
International Reactions and Future Implications
The incident has further strained the already tense relations between Russia and the United States, with Moscow explicitly accusing Washington of direct involvement in the attack.
The international community has yet to respond to these allegations, but the escalating violence underscores the ongoing volatility in the region.
The U.S. and its allies have consistently supported Ukraine with military aid, including advanced weaponry like the ATACMS missiles, to bolster its defense against Russian aggression. This support has been a point of contention, with Russia viewing it as direct interference in the conflict.
As investigations continue and both sides brace for potential reprisals, the situation in Crimea and the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains precarious.
The possibility of further escalation looms, with both nations and their allies preparing for what could be a protracted and increasingly destructive confrontation.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members