A deadly missile attack in Crimea has left at least three people dead and over a hundred injured. The attack took place in the city of Sevastopol, which is part of Russia-occupied Crimea, after a strike using US-supplied missiles. Russian authorities have blamed Ukraine for the attack, claiming that the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rockets were deliberately used to target civilians. The attack left a devastating impact, with fragments of the missiles causing casualties among beachgoers.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that while four missiles were intercepted by Russian air defense systems, the fifth missile deviated from its trajectory, leading to casualties on the ground. Eyewitnesses described the chaos and aftermath of the strike, with wounded civilians being rushed to safety. The timing of the attack, during a time when many residents were returning from work or enjoying the beach, exacerbated the impact of the strike.
Russian authorities have vowed retaliation against the US and Ukraine for their role in the attack. Moscow has launched a criminal investigation into the incident and declared a day of mourning in Sevastopol. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured the provision of necessary assistance to the injured.
The escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine have resulted in reciprocal accusations of terrorism. While Russian authorities condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, Ukrainian officials reported deadly strikes in the border city of Kharkiv. The latest attack in Kharkiv left at least one person dead and several injured, further intensifying the conflict.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns rising over the implications of the escalating violence. The US has been providing military aid to Ukraine to defend against Russia’s invasion, leading to heightened tensions in the region. As the aftermath of the missile strike unfolds, questions remain about the future implications for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
