Drone strike hits dormitory in Luhansk region

Russian officials say a Ukrainian drone strike struck a student dormitory in Starobilsk, in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region, killing at least four people and wounding dozens of children. Authorities reported 86 teenagers aged 14–18 had been asleep in the hostel when the overnight attack hit; regional commissioners said 35 children were wounded and some were hospitalized in serious condition, while as many as 15 people were initially unaccounted for. Images and footage released by local agencies showed heavy damage to the building, shattered windows and emergency crews clearing debris and aiding victims.

Moscow condemned the incident as an attack on civilians and called for international condemnation; the Foreign Ministry said the top three of the hostel’s five floors were pulverized and announced plans to document the damage and casualties. Kremlin officials described the strike as a “monstrous crime”; Russia’s president ordered the military to prepare options to retaliate and said Kyiv must have known what it was targeting. Moscow said the U.N. Security Council would hold an emergency meeting to discuss the event.

Ukrainian military statements cited in regional briefings described striking an elite drone command unit in the area and asserted compliance with international humanitarian law. Both sides have repeatedly denied intentionally targeting civilians during the conflict, even as they exchange competing narratives and accusations.

The attack comes amid intensified drone and long‑range strikes across the front, with humanitarian organizations warning about the mounting toll on civilians and children as residential areas, schools and public infrastructure are increasingly affected. Local residents described explosions, fires and a night of fear as rescue teams worked at the scene; regional officials said investigations were under way. Analysts warn the fresh casualties and mutual recriminations are likely to further escalate tensions as diplomatic efforts to curb hostilities remain stalled.