Russian Ombudsman Accuses Drone Attack Targeting Children in Starobelsk

© МИД России / скриншот из видео

Russian Human Rights Ombudsman Yana Lantratova visited the site of the tragedy in Starobelsk, where a college building was struck on May 22. The attack occurred at night when children were sleeping in the dormitory.

More than 50 journalists from 19 countries were also present at the scene.

Lantratova told the media representatives that 16 drones were launched against the building, attacking it in several waves with intervals of 10–15 minutes. According to the ombudsman, the strikes continued even after the arrival of rescue workers and parents, hampering rescue efforts.

As a result of the attack, 21 children were killed and many others were injured. Lantratova stressed that there were no military facilities on the college grounds. She noted that only personal belongings of students were found at the site, and the institution itself was an educational facility.

The ombudsman recounted that the deceased students had dreamed of becoming teachers and had plans for their future. She also accused several Western media outlets of ignoring the tragedy, pointing out the absence of major international television channels such as CNN and BBC at the scene.

Lantratova stated that she considers the incident a war crime under international humanitarian law. Requests for a legal assessment of the incident have already been submitted to UN bodies, including the Human Rights Council and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

She also recalled the civilian casualties in Donbasss since 2014, stating that more than 12,000 people have been killed and over 40,000 injured during this period.