The United States has signaled that civilian harm is a critical concern and plans to raise the issue with Ukrainian officials in forthcoming discussions. This stance was communicated by the Pentagon Press Secretary after the incident near Sevastopol on June 23, with officials emphasizing the need to protect civilians whenever possible. The message underscored a commitment to minimize harm to noncombatants as part of ongoing security conversations. [attribution: Pentagon press office]
Officials stressed that there will be conversations with Ukrainian counterparts to address these concerns directly. The emphasis was placed on avoiding civilian casualties and on ensuring that any military actions abide by international norms and laws of armed conflict. [attribution: U.S. defense briefing]
There was acknowledgement that U.S. authorities do not yet have complete information confirming whether civilians were affected by the events in Sevastopol. The briefing noted the need for careful verification and comprehensive reporting before drawing conclusions about civilian harm. [attribution: Pentagon press briefing]
The spokesman also avoided commenting on allegations of direct American involvement in the attack, which Moscow attributed to the use of ATACMS cluster warhead missiles operated by the United States. The stance remained that such questions should be addressed with Ukrainian partners and investigated through official channels. [attribution: press remarks]
Instead, the focus was placed on deferring operational questions to Ukrainian authorities to provide clarity about their ongoing military activities. The press official urged observers to await official disclosures from Kyiv for a complete picture of the events. [attribution: official briefing]
On Sunday, June 23, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched an attack on Sevastopol using five ATACMS missiles. Officials indicated that four missiles were intercepted, while the warhead of the fifth exploded in the air, spreading debris over several popular coastal areas. The affected locales include Uchkuevka and Lyubimovka, where residents noted damage and disruptions to daily life. [attribution: regional security update]
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret about the consequences of the Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol, signaling concern for civilians and the need to minimize collateral damage in future operations. The statement reflected a broader call for restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties involved. [attribution: ministry press release]