Multiple casualties reported on a Crimea beach due to debris from a missile strike in the Russian-controlled region.
Unfortunately, we're currently dealing with 124 victims, including three deceased children and two adults, as explained by Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev via Telegram. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed via a Telegram post that Ukraine conducted the attack using American ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, equipped with cluster warheads. Although four missiles were neutralized by Russian air defense, another one altered its flight path due to air defense impact and detonated in the air above the city. Footage posted on X shows the scene following the strike, with injured civilians being carried off the beach on stretchers and vehicles. The daughter of Oleg Averyanov, Magadan's Deputy Mayor, was one of the fatalities. She was only 9 years old and vacationing with her parents in Sevastopol, as stated by Mayor Yuri Grishan of Magadan.
The casualties were partly attributed to the strike timing, happening when civilians—some returning from work and some already enjoying the beach with their children—were caught unawares, as per Governor Razvozhayev. He also declared a day of mourning. Reportedly, there was no air raid siren to warn of the impending attack. Local residents expressed their displeasure about the absence of an air raid siren in comments beneath official posts.
In retaliation to Ukraine's attack on Sevastopol, the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated that such actions wouldn't be left unanswered, and placed the blame on Washington. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is in regular contact with Sevastopol authorities, with the Russian government's main focus being providing aid to the victims. Ukraine has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident, but CNN has reached out to the Ukrainian military for comment.
Crimea, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014 following the annexation of the peninsula by Russian forces, has experienced intermittent attacks by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine insisted that their strikes on Crimea, aiming at Russian naval bases and vessels, are an essential part of their strategy, aiming to make it challenging for Russia to sustain military operations on the Ukrainian mainland.
Before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Sevastopol—the largest city in Crimea—was a favored tourist destination for Russians. Despite the ongoing conflict, Russians have continued to visit the coastal city, drawn by its attractions, despite the risks.
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The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions in Crimea, given its location in Europe. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the impact of conflict on the world at large.
