In a devastating turn of events, Sevastopol, a city on the Crimean Peninsula, was struck by an aerial attack on June 23, 2024. The Ukrainian military launched five American ATACMS missiles, resulting in five fatalities, including three children, and causing injuries to more than 120 people. Despite Russian air defense systems shooting down four of the missiles, one veered off course and exploded, scattering deadly shrapnel over the city. The attack targeted civilian infrastructure and has been labeled as a terrorist action by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev of Sevastopol has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured that assistance will be provided. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also extended his sympathies and has directed federal agencies to offer all necessary support to those affected by the attack. The international community has been urged to condemn the attack, with the Russian Foreign Ministry specifically calling for action against the US and the Ukrainian government, whom they hold responsible for the missile launch. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides sustaining losses and the civilian population bearing the brunt of the violence. The Russian Defense Ministry has accused the United States of complicity, alleging that American specialists provided the missiles and the satellite data used to carry out the attack from Ukrainian territory.
Key points
- Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol results in 5 deaths, including 3 children, and over 120 injuries.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin extends condolences and orders federal assistance for the victims.
- Russia accuses the US and Ukraine of complicity in the attack, citing American ATACMS missiles and satellite data.
