Following deadly Ukrainian attack, Russia puts blame on its own soldiers
![The aftermath of an attack by Ukraine in the Donetsk region.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LuRgK7tQiAohcatA9d4xch-415-80.jpg)
Russia is seemingly blaming the use of cell phones by its own soldiers for a Ukrainian missile attack that killed almost 100 people.
The attack, which occurred on New Year's Day and targeted a base housing conscripted soldiers in the Russian-occupied territory of Donetsk, reportedly left 89 people dead and dozens wounded.
In a statement posted late Tuesday on the social media website Telegram, Russian Lt. Gen. Sergei Sevryukov wrote that it was "already obvious that the main reason, despite the restriction, was turning on and massive use of mobile phones by the personnel within the range area of enemy firepower."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sevryukov went on to claim that this cell phone usage "allowed the enemy to locate the personnel for launching the missile strike."
However, in a rare show of dissidence, many Russians seemed to disagree with the stance that cell phones were to blame for the attack.
Semyon Pegov, a nationally known blogger who publishes pro-Russian propaganda and has been personally decorated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, wrote on his own Telegram page that Sevryukov's statement was "a blatant attempt to smear blame." Pegov also warned that more death would come if the Russians kept blaming each other.
Ukrainian officials also shrugged off the assertion that cell phones led them to the Russian base. "Of course, using phones with geolocation is a mistake. But it is clear that this version looks a bit ridiculous," Ukrainian Armed Forces spokesperson Serhii Cherevatyi said, per CNN. "It is clear that [cell phones] were not the main reason."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Nasa's 'strangest find': pure sulphur on Mars
Under the Radar Curiosity rover discovers elemental sulphur rocks, adding to 'growing evidence' of life-sustaining elements on Red Planet
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Bodycam shows deputy killing Black woman
Speed Read An Illinois deputy fatally shot Sonya Massey, who had called 911 about suspected trespassers
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Spare us the charade'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine's stolen children
Under the Radar Officially 20,000 children have been detained since Russia's invasion in 2022, but the true number is likely to be far higher
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Russian advance in Kharkiv prove decisive in Ukraine war?
Today's Big Question Recent gains in northeast could be 'a momentary setback' or a 'turning point', as Kyiv counts the cost of US delay
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
A brief timeline of Russia's war in Ukraine
In Depth How the Kremlin's plan for a quick conquest turned into a quagmire
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Russia jamming GPS in the Baltics?
Under The Radar Satellite location signals are vital for aviation safety but they are 'vulnerable to blocking or distortion'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Aid to Ukraine: too little, too late?
Talking Point House of Representatives finally 'met the moment' but some say it came too late
By The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published