Ukrainian strike in Russian-controlled area leaves 10 dead

A Ukrainian military drone strike hit a university complex and dorm area in Starobilsk in Russia-occupied Luhansk. Authorities reported at least 10 deaths, with 12 confirmed dead by the emergency ministry. The strike occurred early Friday, while rescue teams worked through the night clearing rubble. Thirty-eight people were wounded, and nine teenage students were missing. Most victims were reported as 19-year-old girls. Kyiv denied targeting civilians and said the strike hit a Russian drone unit stationed in the area. Russia’s Foreign Ministry and President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack, denied military or law enforcement facilities near the university, and ordered a response.

"Authorities in the Russia-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine said on Saturday that at least 10 people had died after a Ukrainian military drone strike hit a university complex and dorm area. Russia's state-run news agency RIA reported on Saturday that 12 people have been confirmed dead, citing the emergency ministry. The incident took place in the community of Starobilsk in the early hours of Friday."

"Some 38 people were wounded and 9 teenage students were missing in the strike that took place overnight, according to Leonid Pasechnik, governor of the occupied Luhansk region. "Rescuers worked through the night clearing the rubble in Starobelsk. Unfortunately, hopes were not fulfilled, the death toll has risen to 10," Pasechnik wrote on Telegram, referring to the community with a Russian spelling."

"Kyiv on Saturday denied having target civilians in the attack, saying it had hit a Russian drone unit stationed in the Starobilsk area. The Russian Foreign Ministry vowed that those responsible for the attack would face "inevitable and severe punishment." Russian President Vladimir Putin denied the presence of military or law enforcement facilities near the university."

"He condemned the drone barrage and ordered the army to prepare a response. Authorities say the strike hit a student dormitory. Starobilsk is located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) from the front line in east Ukraine, and the town has been in the hand of Russian forces since they captured it in 2022."

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