Moscow has consistently asserted that it is engaged in a proxy conflict with the West.
Russia has called in US Ambassador Lynne Tracy over what it terms a “barbaric” missile strike that struck a beach in Crimea, resulting in the deaths of at least four people, including children, and injuring 151 others. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow stated on Monday that it summoned Ambassador Tracy to convey its direct attribution of responsibility to the United States for Sunday’s missile attack near Sevastopol. Moscow has consistently asserted since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that it is engaged in a proxy conflict with the West.
The Kremlin has warned of potential escalation in response to a recent US decision allowing Ukraine to use supplied weapons against targets within Russian territory. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, Ukraine’s attack on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula involved five Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles provided by the US, with the ministry stating on Sunday that four were intercepted and the fifth detonated midair. The ministry alleged that US specialists coordinated the missile trajectories using data from American reconnaissance satellites. Despite the incident, the US has not issued a response, having commenced missile deliveries to Ukraine earlier this year.
In a statement on Monday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry, while summoning the ambassador, condemned Washington’s actions and warned of forthcoming retaliatory measures. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled the attack as “absolutely barbaric” during a Monday press conference, asserting that Moscow would react to US involvement. He suggested that reporters seek explanations from European and Washington officials about the consequences of their governments’ actions on Russian civilians, including children.
Peskov also mentioned President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on equipping nations to possibly carry out attacks on Western targets.
Last week, he finalized a military alliance agreement with North Korea, prompting concern among Western allies.
Russian officials have recently cautioned that the Ukraine conflict is escalating to its most perilous stage yet. Putin has consistently cautioned about the potential for a more expansive conflict involving nuclear powers worldwide.
However, directly attributing responsibility to the US for a fatal attack on Crimea—territory annexed by Russia in 2014 and regarded by Russia as its own, though internationally recognized as part of Ukraine—is an additional escalation.
