Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons U.S. ambassador over Sevastopol attack
- In Reports
- 06:43 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
Russia summoned US Ambassador Lynne Tracy over what it termed a "barbaric" missile attack that struck a beach in Crimea, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals, including children, and causing injuries to 151 others.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow conveyed to Ambassador Tracy that Russia holds the United States directly responsible for the missile attack that occurred near Sevastopol on Sunday. Moscow has consistently asserted since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that it is engaged in a proxy war with Western powers.
The Kremlin issued a stern warning on Monday, condemning a recent decision by the US to allow Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons against targets inside Russian territory, citing risks of escalation and promising "consequences."
According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Ukrainian attack on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula involved five Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles provided by the US. The ministry reported that four missiles were intercepted, while a fifth exploded midair. It claimed that the missiles' flight paths were coordinated with the assistance of US spy satellites, though the US has not responded to these allegations.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador and declared that such actions by Washington would not go unanswered, promising retaliatory measures.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced the attack as "absolutely barbaric" during a press briefing, indicating Moscow's intention to respond to what it perceives as US involvement. Peskov also urged European and US officials to explain why their governments were, in his words, "killing Russian children."
Peskov also cited comments made by President Vladimir Putin regarding the possibility of arming nations capable of launching attacks on Western targets.
Last week, Putin signed a military alliance pact with North Korea, causing concern among Western allies. Russian officials have recently cautioned that the conflict in Ukraine is entering its most perilous phase to date. Putin has repeatedly warned about the potential for a broader conflict involving the world's nuclear powers.
However, directly attributing blame to the US for a fatal attack on Crimea — which Russia annexed in 2014 and asserted as its territory despite international recognition of it as part of Ukraine — represents a significant escalation. "We understand perfectly well who is responsible for this," Peskov stated, adding that it was evident who supplied weapons to Ukraine, directed them, and provided targeting data.
"The involvement of the United States in combat operations, resulting in the deaths of peaceful Russians, will undoubtedly have consequences," Peskov asserted. "Exactly what these consequences will be, time will reveal."
Image source: Reuters
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