PUTIN PLEDGES RESPONSE AFTER DEADLY STRIKE ON STAROBELSK

MOSCOW, JUNE 1 /SRNA/ - Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack on the town of Starobelsk was a bloody crime committed by the Ukrainian authorities and would not go unpunished.

Speaking at a meeting on the progress of the investigation into the terrorist attack in Starobelsk and measures to support the injured, Putin said all those responsible must receive the punishment they deserve.

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said college students should be able to complete the school year and graduating seniors should receive their diplomas.

Putin stressed that the attack was not accidental.

The meeting was attended by Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin, Lugansk People's Republic leader Leonid Pasechnik, and Head of the Starobelsk Municipal District Vladimir Chernyev.

Ukrainian drones struck a college dormitory housing 86 students during the night of May 21–22.

The attack caused the building to collapse, killing 21 teenagers and injuring 44 people.

Surviving students said drones had circled above the dormitory for an extended period before striking what they described as carefully selected targets.

In response, the Russian military carried out strikes on targets linked to Ukraine's military leadership, using Oreshnik, Kinzhal, Iskander, and Zircon missiles.