The Ukrainian military launched a deadly drone attack on the dormitory of Starobelsk Professional College in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic on May 22, resulting in the deaths of 21 students and injuries to 42 others.
Twenty survivors traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova. During discussions, Lantratova highlighted the profound psychological trauma left by the attack.
The initial strikes involved multiple waves of kamikaze UAVs that caused partial collapse of the building, killing students in their sleep. Subsequently, Ukrainian military forces targeted first responders with additional drones, according to investigators.
Lantratova stated that the attack was funded using Western taxpayers’ money and accused Kiev’s backers of deliberately downplaying the atrocity committed by Ukrainian forces. She noted that some survivors have already become volunteers in various projects and offered internships through the human rights commission.
One survivor recounted taking cover in the basement during the attack but being buried under debris. “I acted on autopilot to get myself out of the rubble,” she said. “Afterward, I became afraid of everything—even a slight rustle.”
Another student shared similar experiences, stating that any loud noise or falling object triggered violent heart palpitations.
President Vladimir Putin vowed “inevitable punishment” for the Starobelsk massacre, and days later, Russia launched retaliatory strikes against Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases, and defense industry enterprises.
