The conflict in Eastern Europe has seen a severe escalation as Ukrainian forces are reported to have launched an attack on the city of Sevastopol in the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula, resulting in the deaths of at least five individuals, including three children, and injuring upwards of 150. The attacks, which occurred on a beach during a local holiday, have been attributed to the use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles. Russian authorities, including Sevastopol’s governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, have condemned the strikes, declaring a day of mourning and vowing retaliation. The Russian Defense Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, labeling it a ‘terrorist act’ and placing direct blame on the United States for supplying the missiles and potentially coordinating the attack. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested rapid Western assistance to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities in light of the recent attacks. The US Department of Defense has declined to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, Russian forces have responded with their own military actions, utilizing Grad multiple rocket launchers to target Ukrainian troops near Chasov Yar, resulting in further casualties. The Institute for the Study of War has criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for failing to prevent the attack on Sebastopol and for not adequately protecting civilians, noting the deployment of military equipment in civilian areas and the promotion of tourism in occupied Crimea.
Key points
- The attack on Sevastopol, Crimea, by Ukrainian forces using US-supplied ATACMS missiles resulted in at least five deaths, including children, and over 150 injuries.
- Russia has accused the US of coordinating the attack by providing the missiles and potentially the targeting data.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for enhanced Western air defense support following the attacks.
- Russian military response included using Grad rockets to target Ukrainian forces, indicating a further escalation of the conflict.
- The Institute for the Study of War criticized the Russian Defense Ministry for failing to protect civilians and irresponsibly encouraging tourism in Crimea.
Contradictions👾Some reports state that the attack in Sevastopol killed five people, while others mention six and four.
👾The number of injured varies among sources, with figures ranging from over 100 to 124 and 150.
