Russia Accuses U.S.
Russia says five U.S.-supplied missiles killed at least four people, including two children, and injured 151 others. Above all, Moscow has blamed the United States for responsibility for the Ukrainian attack. Firstly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the attack “absolutely barbaric” and said Moscow would react to the United States’ involvement in it. Secondly, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S. programmed and guided the missiles used in the attacks in Crimea based on satellite intelligence data. And a U.S. recon drone was monitoring airspace near Crimea. Thirdly, after the Crimea attack on Sunday, the ministry reported that forces shot down four U.S.-delivered Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles equipped with cluster warheads. It added ammunition of the fifth missile detonated in mid-air. Earlier this year, the U.S. began supplying Ukraine with these missiles, which have a 300-kilometre range.
“Vile, Barbaric Attack”
In fact, the attack generated furious reactions from Russian officials. Russia will respond to Sunday’s attack, the Defence also Ministry said. The Kremlin said Putin was “in constant contact with the military” since the attack. Former Russian President and Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, currently Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, described the incident as “a vile, despicable act against our people”.
“U.S. Set Missile Flight Coordinates”
The Russian Defence Ministry said that U.S. specialists had set the missiles’ flight coordinates. The ministry added the coordinates were given on the basis of information from U.S. spy satellites, meaning Washington was directly responsible.
Russia Warns Of Consequences
Maria Zakharova, the Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “These structures (OSCE AND UN) are completely biased. They are no longer international organisations. But, they are tools in the hands of the West. We will seek a response. We will do everything to ensure that the international community is notified of the latest crimes of the Kyiv regime.”
President Putin has just returned from trips to North Korea and Vietnam. Infact, in Pyongyang, after signing a military pact, he even thanked North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un for “unwavering support” of the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. It now considers the Black Sea peninsula as an integral part of its territory.
(With Reuters Inputs)
