A strike on the Starobilsk Professional College in Russian-occupied Luhansk has sparked Russian accusations and Ukrainian denials, according to BBC — the attack occurred early on Friday and has prompted an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

Russian Claims and Ukrainian Response

Russian officials accuse Ukraine of carrying out a drone attack on the college dormitory; According to official figures, 21 people were killed and 42 wounded, and Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident a “terrorist strike” and denied the presence of military facilities in the area.

“There is absolutely no basis for claiming that the munitions struck the building as a result of our air defence or electronic warfare systems,” Putin stated. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed an attack near Starobilsk on the night of 21-22 May but claims it targeted a Russian military unit.

United Nations Involvement

Amid the claims and counterclaims, Russia requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. Russia’s UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenyza, stated the attack constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law. He presented photographs of the destroyed college to support his claim.

A representative from Denmark commented that if the same logic were applied, the Security Council would need to hold emergency meetings frequently to address the destruction in Ukraine. Russia has also ordered its defence ministry to propose a response to the attack.

Call for Retaliation and Rescue Efforts

Hawkish pro-Kremlin commentators are urging the government to retaliate beyond Ukraine. Sergey Karaganov, honorary chairman of the presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy, suggested starting with symbolic strikes against Europe. Search and rescue operations in the area were completed late on Saturday by emergency teams.