The death toll from the attack on a dormitory in Starobelsk, Russia’s Luhansk region, has reached 18 as more bodies are discovered in the debris. The press service of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations mentioned the possibility of three more children being trapped under the rubble.
According to a ministry official quoted by Russia’s Tass news agency, two additional bodies were recovered, bringing the total injured count to 60, with 18 fatalities. Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the Ukrainian assault on the Starobilsk college.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly targeted the college with four fixed-wing UAVs, as stated by Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko. During the attack, 86 children between the ages of 14 and 18 were inside the premises.
The United Nations has also denounced the assault, with the UN Secretary-General’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, emphasizing the condemnation of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Dujarric stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the situation further.
Vanessa Frazier, speaking at a Security Council meeting called by Russia post-attack, emphasized the protection of children, schools, and hospitals during armed conflicts. Similarly, Tammy Bruce, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, called for an immediate ceasefire to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.
