Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated following a missile strike on the Crimean city of Sevastopol, which Russia claims was carried out by Ukrainian forces using US-supplied ATACMS missiles. The strike, occurring on June 23, resulted in the deaths of several civilians, including children, and injured over 150 people. The Russian government has declared a state of emergency in Sevastopol, and the Russian Foreign Ministry has summoned US Ambassador Lynn Tracy to Moscow over what it describes as a ‘terrorist attack’ and has accused the US of being equally responsible for the civilian casualties. Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov has called the attack ‘barbaric’ and indicated that the perpetrators were not Ukrainian but did not provide further details on this claim. The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that several missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, but some exploded over the city, impacting a beach where people were present. In response to the attack, Russia has warned of retaliatory measures and has vowed to punish those responsible. The situation remains volatile, with Russia threatening to deploy missiles within range of the US and its European allies, while the US has denied any direct involvement in the strike. The international community watches with concern as the conflict in Ukraine continues to have broader geopolitical implications.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces allegedly struck Sevastopol with US-made ATACMS missiles, causing civilian casualties.
- Russia has declared a state of emergency in Sevastopol and summoned the US Ambassador to Moscow.
- Russia accuses the US of complicity in the attack and warns of retaliatory measures.
Contradictions👾Initial reports claimed all missiles were intercepted, but later statements acknowledged that some exploded over Sevastopol.
👾Russia has accused the US of direct involvement, while the US denies any participation in the strike.
