Russia warns the U.S. to brace for retaliation after Kremlin blamed Washington for missile attack that killed four in Crimea
- Kremlin spokesman called attack ‘barbaric’
- It comes after the US delivered long-range ATACM missiles to Ukraine
The Kremlin accused the US of “killing Russian children” after a Ukrainian attack on occupied Crimea with ATACMS long-range missiles supplied by Washington.
Moscow called on the US ambassador to issue a formal warning, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a caustic public commentary blaming the US and calling the strike “barbaric.”
“You should ask my colleagues in Europe, and especially in Washington, the press secretaries, why their governments are killing Russian children. Just ask them this question,” Peskov told reporters.
At least four people, including two children, were killed in the attack in Sevastopol. Russia blamed the US and said 150 were injured. Video shows panicked beachgoers fleeing from falling shrapnel after Russian air defenses intercepted the missiles.
Russia captured Crimea in 2014, and Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks on Russian naval units and its Black Sea port since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the attack on Crimea “barbaric.” Moscow summoned the American ambassador in response. The US began delivering long-range ATAMCs to Ukraine earlier this year
The ATACMs, long sought by Kiev, offer greater range than missiles previously supplied by the US
The US started supplying ATACMs to Ukraine earlier this year, after intense lobbying from Kiev.
Weeks ago, the US changed its policy to allow the use of the weapons on Russian territory along border areas with Ukraine.
Spray flies into the air as pieces of debris from the shot down missile land on the coast near Sevastopol
Injured tourists are treated by passers-by on a beach in Sevastopol after the incident on Sunday
The incident took place on the same day that Russian bombs destroyed a residential block in Kharkiv, killing at least one person and wounding 10 on Sunday.
That came amid brutal Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, after Moscow made gains on the battlefield.
Ukrainian commanders have argued for the authority to use the weapons to strike where Russia is gathering troops and stockpiling aircraft and ammunition for its attacks on its territory.
The long-range ATACMs were included in a March military aid package, although restrictions still prevent its use deep within Russian territory. They have a range of 300 kilometers (about 190 miles).
Russia’s war against Ukraine and the defense of Ukraine by the US and its NATO allies have caused major tensions between the US and Russia, both nuclear powers.
After the attack in Sevastopol, Russia accused the US of “waging a hybrid war against Russia and effectively becoming a party to the conflict.” Russia threatened in comments to Ambassador Lynne Tracy that the attack “would not go unpunished.” There will certainly be retaliation.”