Russia Reports 18 Dead in Starobilsk College Attack

Rescue operations in Starobilsk are ongoing after a Ukrainian drone strike on a student dormitory left 18 people dead and 60 injured. Two additional bodies were recovered overnight, bringing the confirmed fatalities to 18, according to Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry. The assault occurred while 86 teenagers were inside the building. Russian authorities say four fixed-wing drones were used in the attack. President Putin strongly denounced the strike, calling it a deliberate targeting of civilians. UN officials have voiced alarm over the incident. Spokesman Stephen Dujarric highlighted that any attack on civilian infrastructure, especially facilities housing children, breaches international law. He appealed to both sides to refrain from further escalation. At the UN Security Council, diplomats stressed that children’s safety must remain a priority. The U.S. representative urged an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to bring the war to a lasting end. The tragedy has intensified global pressure for accountability and protection of educational institutions in conflict zones.