Fatal Ukrainian Strike on Russian-Occupied Crimea Leaves Five Dead and Over 100 Injured

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16267776/original/open-uri20240623-18-177d2bt?1719182169
ICARO Media Group
Politics
23/06/2024 22h28

In a tragic incident, at least five people were killed and over 100 injured as missile fragments rained down on beachgoers during a Ukrainian strike on the city of Sevastopol in Russia-occupied Crimea. The attack took place on [date], leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

According to Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, the strike resulted in 124 victims, including three children and two adults who lost their lives. The Russian Ministry of Defense revealed that Ukraine employed "US-supplied ATACMS operational-tactical missiles equipped with cluster warheads" in the attack. Despite Russian air defense managing to intercept four missiles, one missile deviated from its intended path and exploded in the air above the city, causing significant casualties.

Distressing video footage has emerged showing the aftermath of the strike, with injured civilians being carried away from the beach on stretchers and loaded into vehicles for medical assistance. Beachgoers, many of whom were still in swimwear, were seen evacuating the area. Eyewitnesses reported that no air raid siren was sounded to warn residents of the impending attack, leading to discontent among the locals.

The daughter of Oleg Averyanov, Deputy Mayor of Magadan, was among those killed in the Ukrainian strike. Nine-year-old Sofia was on vacation with her parents in Sevastopol when the tragedy occurred. The Mayor of Magadan, Yuri Grishan, expressed heartfelt condolences to Averyanov and his family over the devastating loss.

The timing of the strike played a significant role in the high number of casualties. Governor Razvozhayev lamented that the attack occurred when civilians were returning from work or enjoying a day at the beach with their children. As a mark of respect for the victims, a day of mourning has been declared.

In response to this attack on Sevastopol, the Russian Ministry of Defense sternly warned that such actions will not go unanswered, placing the responsibility on Washington. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in constant contact with Sevastopol authorities. The priority of the Russian government, according to Peskov, is to provide all necessary assistance to the victims.

At the time of reporting, Ukraine has not officially commented on the attack. CNN has reached out to the Ukrainian military for a statement regarding the incident.

It is essential to note that Crimea has been under Russian occupation since 2014, when Russian forces annexed the peninsula. The region has faced periodic attacks from Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian sources have previously stated that these strikes on Crimea, targeting Russian naval bases and vessels, are part of a strategy to isolate the peninsula and make it harder for Russia to sustain its military operations on the Ukrainian mainland.

Despite the dangers posed by the ongoing war, Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea, was once a popular tourist destination for Russians. Even after the outbreak of hostilities, many Russians continue to visit the coastal city, undeterred by the risks involved.

The international community mourns the loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related