In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched an attack on Sevastopol using American ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions on June 23, 2024. Despite Russian air defense systems intercepting four of the rockets, the fifth one deviated from its trajectory and exploded over the city. The attack resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including two children, and injuries to approximately 100 others. Damage to residential buildings and infrastructure was also reported, with a parking lot near a multi-family home in Gvardeysk being struck. The governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, condemned the attack and promised support for the victims’ families. The Russian Ministry of Defense labeled the incident a terrorist act against civilians and attributed the high number of casualties to the use of cluster munitions. This attack came after a series of reciprocal strikes, including Ukrainian drone and missile strikes that killed three people in Russia and Crimea, and Russian airstrikes on Kharkiv that left three dead and dozens injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more modern air defense systems to protect against such attacks.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces attacked Sevastopol with ATACMS missiles, resulting in civilian casualties including children.
- Russian air defense systems intercepted several missiles, but one caused significant damage and casualties.
- The attack on Sevastopol followed reciprocal strikes between Ukraine and Russia, with casualties reported on both sides.
Contradictions👾Some reports mention the attack on Sevastopol occurred on June 23, while others specify it happened on Sunday, which would be June 22 based on the current date.
👾The number of casualties reported varies, with some sources citing two civilian deaths and others stating three.
