Russia Blames US for Ukrainian Missile Strike in Crimea

Russia has accused the United States of responsibility for a recent missile strike in occupied Crimea. The attack, carried out by Ukrainian forces, resulted in the deaths of four people, including two children, and left around 150 others injured. The incident occurred when missile debris fell on a beach in Sevastopol.

Key points:

• Russia claims that the missiles used by Ukraine were US-supplied ATACMS missiles, programmed by US specialists.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the strike “barbaric” and accused the US of “killing Russian children.”
• President Vladimir Putin previously vowed to target countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.
• Moscow alleges that the ATACMS missiles are guided by American satellites.
• The US has been providing ATACMS missiles to Ukraine for over a year, allowing them to strike targets up to 300 km away.
• Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, is not subject to US demands regarding weapon use.
• The Russian foreign ministry summoned the US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, emphasizing US involvement.
• President Putin hinted at an asymmetric response to countries arming Ukraine.
• Ukrainian officials defend the strike, considering Crimea a legitimate target due to its military significance.

The situation remains tense, with ongoing conflict and civilian casualties in the region. The UN’s human rights monitoring mission reports that at least 10,000 civilians have been killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.