The Russian foreign ministry on Monday accused the United States of involvement in the Sevastopol attack in Crimea that claimed the lives of four people including two children on Sunday.
"The US’ involvement in this horrible crime is beyond any doubt," the ministry pointed out. "A response to this crime will certainly follow," it said.
According to the Russian defence ministry, the missiles used by Ukraine were US-supplied ATACMS missiles and were programmed by US experts.
"On June 23, the Kyiv regime, with the support of the United States and its satellites, committed another heinous terrorist crime against the civilian population of Russia. Sevastopol came under attack," the statement said. The of the Holy Trinity was “intentionally” chosen for the terror attack, it added.
"Four people died, among them a two-year-old playing on the city beach and a nine-year-old girl. As many as 151 people sought medical help, 82 of them were hospitalised- 55 adults and 27 children, many are in serious condition. Everyone is receiving quality medical care," the ministry said.
Russia also alleged that an American Global Hawk reconnaissance drone was on duty in the skies near Crimea when the attack took place.
The conclusion was made after Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a probe into the attack. All those responsible for the terrorist attack will be brought to justice, the ministry said.
"Washington and its satellites have created and fostered the neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv, actively nurturing and supporting their Ukrainian puppets, waging war against Russia with their hands and encouraging them to commit acts of international terrorism, to kill Russian civilians, including with the use of one of the most terrible types of inhumane weapons - cluster munitions," it added.
"We mourn with all of Sevastopol, where a day of mourning has been declared today. We express our condolences to the relatives of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," read the statement.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had called the missile strike "barbaric".
The video footage that emerged on social media showed chaos on the beach in the Uchkuyevka area as people ran from the falling debris.
The Russian foreign ministry had summoned the US Ambassador Lynne Tracy on Monday before issuing a statement accusing the US of involvement in the attack.
