Moscow Warns of ‘Consequences’ for the U.S. Amid Accusations of Attack with US-Supplied Weapons
Satellite imagery has recorded significant fires at the site of a suspected Ukrainian ATACMS strike on a Russian-controlled space communications center in Crimea.
NASA’s Firms fire-monitoring system detected two large blazes near the NIP-16 complex in Vitino on the western coast of the occupied peninsula. Additional satellite images from Sentinel corroborated these findings.
The strikes reportedly involved multiple US-supplied ATACMS, launched by Ukrainian forces towards Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Videos on social media show four Ukrainian M270 rocket launchers firing eight missiles on Sunday night. Shortly after, the local Telegram channel Crimean Wind shared footage suggesting the space communications center was hit.
Locals reported loud explosions and the presence of ambulances. The NIP-16 complex houses deep space communication systems supporting manned and robotic missions and was previously targeted by a British-supplied Storm Shadow missile in December.
Other Russian military installations, including a Krasukha electronic warfare radar jammer, are believed to be in the area.
Since receiving an unspecified number of ATACMS from the US, Ukraine has increased long-range attacks on Russian targets in Crimea. These missiles, fired from ground launchers like Himars, can reach targets up to 190 miles away.
Neither Russian nor Ukrainian authorities have commented on the strikes. Ukrainian officials are awaiting a battle damage assessment before confirming the attack, as cloud cover has impeded clear satellite imaging.
Early low-resolution photos only showed grass burns. The Telegraph could not independently verify the damage.
Warning of 'Consequences'
On Monday, the Kremlin warned of repercussions for the US, accusing Washington of direct involvement in the deadly strikes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “The involvement of the United States of America in hostilities that result in the death of Russian civilians cannot but have consequences. What exactly – time will tell.”
Russia claims to have intercepted four of five ATACMS aimed at Belbek airfield, a launch site for jets targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
The fifth missile reportedly exploded mid-air after being hit by air defenses, with shrapnel killing four people and injuring 151 on a beach below. Footage showed beachgoers fleeing from explosions.
In response, the Russian foreign ministry summoned Lynn Tracy, the US ambassador to Moscow, according to the state-owned Tass news agency.
It is a war zone. What did they expect? Maybe they shouldn't be there in the first place.
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