A “mysterious” explosion in occupied Crimea destroyed multiple Russian cruise missiles being transported by rail that likely were being readied to devastate Ukrainian cities, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry says.
Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs, posted video on social media of an explosion, apparently in the city of Dzhankoi in northern Crimea. Ukraine hinted at responsibility; military spokeswoman Natalia Humeniuk described the strike as a signal to Russia that it should leave the Black Sea peninsula it took from Ukraine by force in 2014.
“Right now, the way ahead is clear – they (Russian forces) need to make their way out by rail already,” she said Tuesday on Ukrainian TV.
Russia has been firing the missiles, which have a range of 1,600 miles or more, from ships in their Black Sea fleet. The defense ministry statement said the blast “continues the process of Russia’s demilitarization and prepares the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea for deoccupation.”
Russian state media made no mention of the missiles but said a 33-year-old man was injured by a falling drone in Dzhankoi. Mayor Igor Ivin said multiple drones were reported and the attack also damaged power lines, a house, a store and a college building.
‘FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR’:China’s Xi visitsMoscow; Russia cites ‘monstrous consequences’ of Putin arrest warrant
Developments:
►Ukraine received another $1.6 billion from the European Union’s 18 billion aid package, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced. “Our support helps keep Ukraine running while defending itself,” she said. “Together, we’re writing Ukraine’s European future.”
►30,000 tons of wheat arrived in Kenya as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program. “Despite Russian aggression, we won’t give up our participation in overcoming global challenges,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted.
Japan PM Kishida arrives in Kyiv
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Kyiv for a surprise visit to Ukraine on Tuesday, the last of the Group of Seven leaders to visit Ukraine since Russia’s invasion 13 months ago. Footage shown on Japanese TV showed Kishida walking on the train station platform, escorted by people who appeared to be Ukrainian officials. Kishida arrived hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel issued a statement saying Xi “stands with a war criminal” while Kishida stands for freedom.
“Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making a historic visit to Ukraine to protect the Ukrainian people and promote the universal values enshrined in the U.N. charter,” Emanual said.
Contributing: The Associated Press
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