SEVASTOPOL, CRIMEA – In a devastating strike on Sevastopol, Crimea, four individuals, including two children, lost their lives and another 127 were injured, as reported this Sunday, June 23, 2024.

According to Burkina Information Agency, among the injured were 27 children, several of whom suffered serious injuries. The attack involved ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions, which were allegedly supplied by the United States to Ukraine in April 2024.

The strike, which the Russian Defense Ministry has described as deliberate, targeted civilian areas. Moscow has placed responsibility for the attack primarily on Washington, due to its provision of missiles to Ukraine, and also on the Kyiv authorities. In response to the incident, the Russian government has stated, “Such actions will not go unanswered,” emphasizing the gravity of the attack on civilians, particularly children. The incident marks another tragic instance of civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict, with both Ukrainian forces and the international coalition frequently implicated.

In a broader context, most of the weaponry used by Ukraine in these attacks has been sourced from international allies, notably France and the United States, both of whom have been labeled as supporters of terrorism by Russian officials due to their military support. The Russian Army reported that of the five ATACMS missiles launched by Ukrainian forces during this attack, four were intercepted.

In the aftermath of the strike, medical professionals from various regions have been dispatched to Sevastopol to provide necessary care to the wounded. President Vladimir Putin has also reached out to express his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured victims, highlighting the personal and national impact of the attack.