US Envoy Summoned by Moscow After Missile Strike in Sevastopol, Crimea

Russia’s foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador on June 24 to express Moscow’s view that the United States has effectively joined the conflict in Ukraine.

This action followed a missile attack on the Crimean city of Sevastopol, utilizing U.S.-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) missiles, resulting in the deaths of four Russian civilians.

The foreign ministry informed U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy that the United States had become a de facto participant in the conflict by providing advanced weaponry, including ATACMS missiles equipped with cluster munitions, to Kyiv.

Stating that ATACMS missiles could only be operated by American specialists, the ministry emphasized to Ms. Tracy that Washington shared equal responsibility for what was described as another crime by the Kyiv regime.

The U.S. envoy was also warned that such actions by Washington would not go unanswered, according to the foreign ministry’s account of the conversation.

In response to the ambassador’s meeting, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that Ms. Tracy had expressed the United States’ regret over any civilian casualties in the conflict.

“We provide weapons to Ukraine so it can defend its sovereign territory against armed aggression,” Mr. Miller informed reporters on June 24.

“This includes Crimea,” he added, emphasizing that it is part of Ukraine.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a disputed region-wide referendum. Since then, Moscow has considered the strategic Black Sea region as part of the Russian Federation.

Supported by Western allies, Ukraine rejects the annexation as an unlawful seizure and has pledged to recapture all of Crimea through military means.

“Russia could end this war today by ceasing its occupation of Ukrainian territory and halting attacks on civilians,” Mr. Miller remarked.

Meanwhile, Kyiv has refrained from commenting on the missile strike on Crimea while denying targeting civilians.

Kremlin Warns of ‘Repercussions’

On June 23, Ukraine reportedly launched multiple long-range ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions at targets in Crimea.

Built by the United States, ATACMS missiles have a range of around 185 miles.

According to Russia’s defense ministry, four missiles were intercepted by Russian air defenses, while one exploded over Sevastopol in Crimea.

Sevastopol, situated on the peninsula’s southwest coast, is home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Due to falling missile debris, four civilians, including two children, lost their lives on a public beach in Sevastopol, with 150 others injured, as per local authorities.

Moscow promptly accused Kyiv and Washington for the ATACMS missile attack.

“U.S. involvement in this terrible crime is undeniable,” Russia’s foreign ministry stated on June 24.

“American ATACMS tactical missiles, equipped with cluster warheads for maximum impact, were employed in the assault,” added the ministry.

It further alleged that American specialists identified the targets based on U.S. satellite surveillance data.

The foreign ministry also claimed that a U.S. Global Hawk reconnaissance drone was on standby near Crimea during the attack.

As of now, the U.S. State Department has not responded to The Epoch Times’ request for comment on the Russian accusations.

A Kremlin spokesperson informed reporters that “direct U.S. engagement in the conflict resulting in the deaths of Russian civilians will certainly have consequences.”

Muted US Response

This is not the first instance where ATACMS missiles have been reportedly used to target Russian positions in Crimea.

In late April, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its defenses had intercepted at least six incoming ATACMS missiles near Crimea before they hit their intended targets.

Kyiv later confirmed that its forces had launched long-range missiles at two Russian airbases in the peninsula.

However, no casualties or damage were reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously mentioned that the use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS by Kyiv would not significantly alter the battlefield situation.

Meanwhile, the U.S. response to the Russian accusations and threats of retaliation has been subdued.

A spokesperson from the White House National Security Council admitted that any civilian loss of life was tragic.

“This includes the thousands of innocent Ukrainians killed by Russian forces since this Russian act of aggression began,” the spokesperson told Reuters.

Regarding the alleged involvement of American specialists in the missile strike, a Pentagon spokesperson insisted that Ukraine makes its own targeting decisions and conducts its military operations.

Reuters contributed to this report.