Death Toll Rises to 18 in Drone Attack on College in Russia

Moscow, May 24: The death toll from the drone attack on a dormitory in Starobilsk, located in the Luhansk region of Russia, has risen to 18. Local media reports indicate that more bodies have been discovered in the debris.

According to the press service of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, three children may still be trapped under the rubble.

The TASS news agency reported that an official from the ministry confirmed, “Two more bodies have been recovered from the debris. This brings the total number of injured to 60, with 18 fatalities.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack on the Starobilsk college, attributing it to Ukrainian forces. Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, stated that the college was targeted by four fixed-wing UAVs from Ukraine’s armed forces.

At the time of the attack, 86 children aged between 14 and 18 were present at the location. The United Nations has also condemned this assault. UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, expressed, “We strongly condemn any attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, regardless of their location. Regarding Ukraine, we are closely monitoring reports of overnight shelling on a college building and dormitory in Starobilsk, which resulted in numerous casualties, including children.”

Such attacks violate international human rights laws. Dujarric further urged all parties involved to refrain from actions that could exacerbate an already dangerous situation.

During a Security Council meeting convened at Russia’s request, Vanessa Frazier emphasized that children, schools, and hospitals should never be targeted during armed conflicts.

Frazier stated, “Civilians, children, humanitarian workers, and essential facilities, including schools and hospitals, should never be made targets. The safety of children must remain a priority. Their homes, classrooms, and futures cannot be compromised.”

Tammy Bruce, the U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN, remarked, “We are monitoring reports of deaths and injuries in Luhansk from last night. Many questions related to this attack remain unanswered. While we await these answers, we emphasize the urgent need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as a means to end the war through dialogue.”