Ukrainian Intelligence Source Claims Responsibility for Crimea Car Bomb
Facts
- A car bomb detonated in the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Wednesday, killing a Russian serviceman, the Russian-appointed governor of the region confirmed.[1]
- According to Russian media, the explosion took place at 9:53 am local time and firefighters arrived at the scene six minutes later. It was reported the man was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.[1]
- In a statement carried by multiple Ukrainian outlets, a source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) claimed the agency was responsible for the attack.[2][3]
- The statement identified the target as Valery Trankovsky, a chief-of-staff within Russia's Black Sea Fleet — though this could not be independently confirmed. It justified the attack on the grounds that the individual 'is a war criminal who gave orders to launch cruise missiles from the Black Sea on civilian targets in Ukraine.'[2]
- Ukraine has frequently used the tactic against Russian servicemembers and officials, with two such attacks reported in occupied regions of Ukraine last month.[4]
- The targeted killing or assassination of individuals away from the field of hostilities is prohibited under international law.[5]
Sources: [1]TASS, [2]Ukrainska Pravda, [3]UKRINFORM, [4]Newsweek and [5]The Conversation.
Narratives
- Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by UKRINFORM. Valery Trankovsky, who was in charge of a Russian naval unit that carried out numerous attacks against Ukrainian civilians, was killed because of the war crimes he committed. Perpetrators of such crimes must know that justice will find them.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by The Conversation. While there has been increased impunity for targeted killings and assassinations following their use by the US in the war against terror and by Israel against Iranian and Palestinian officials, under the terms of international law, such attacks are strictly prohibited and should be condemned.