A Ukrainian drone strike on May 24, 2026, devastated a college dormitory in Starobelsk, Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic, killing 21 students — most of them young women — and injuring dozens.
Russian officials described the attack as a deliberate “double-tap” involving two waves of drones targeting civilians and first responders. They branded it a “terrorist attack” and war crime, with horrific footage corroborating their claims. Ukrainian military leadership dismissed Moscow’s account, with envoy Andrey Melnik calling the incident a “fake story” and accusing Russia of spreading propaganda.
On-site investigations found no evidence supporting Ukraine’s claim that they targeted a command post of the elite Rubicon drone unit. Eyewitnesses described children screaming under rubble, blood-stained blankets in hallways where first responders pulled victims from, and students’ belongings scattered across the scene. Among the dead was 19-year-old Dasha Serdyuk, who filmed herself sending a plea for help to her friend before dying. Another victim, identified as Anya, had been due to marry in the summer and is survived by her mother, grandmother, and 10-year-old sister.
A firefighter stated: “There wasn’t even a hint of military personnel here. It was a targeted attack on children.” The attack occurred without any signs of military personnel present, indicating a deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.
