Russian officials stated today that Ukraine used 4 suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack the teaching building and dormitory of the Starobelsk vocational college, which trains students aged 14-18. Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-appointed leader in the Lugansk region, reported that 86 students were inside the facility at the time of the attack.
Images and videos released by Russian officials show rescue workers carrying a man out of the rubble on a stretcher, heavily damaged buildings—including one that appeared partially collapsed—and ongoing fires.
Scene of the attack on the vocational college in Lugansk on 22/5. Video: Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations
The attack resulted in at least 4 deaths and 35 injured children. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Ukraine of perpetrating "horrific crimes" and stated that those responsible must be brought to justice.
The Starobelsk Vocational College, part of Lugansk Pedagogical University, specializes in training students in various technical and practical professions, including welding, electrical work, cooking, and crane operation. Pasechnik described the attack as "unprecedented" and "inhumane," targeting civilians.
Rescue teams continue to work at the scene. Some victims are believed to be buried under the debris.
Ukraine has not yet commented on this information. Kiev has repeatedly stated that it does not target civilians.
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Location of Lugansk province. Graphic: RYV
Over 99% of Lugansk's territory is currently under Russian control, with a small western portion still contested.
The Kremlin has consistently demanded that Ukraine withdraw all its forces from the remainder of Donbass, a region comprising the Donetsk and Lugansk provinces, to end the "hot phase" of the conflict. Moscow believes that the prospects for diplomatic solutions, including a cessation of hostilities, would improve if Kiev made the decision to withdraw its troops.
Kiev has repeatedly rejected this demand, asserting that territory is a non-negotiable issue.
Huyen Le (According to Reuters, TASS, RT)
