Death Toll Rises to 12 After Dorm Strike in Russian-Controlled Luhansk

The death toll from a drone strike on a student dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine has climbed to 12, according to Russia’s emergency ministry. The attack took place in the town of Starobilsk, where rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors.

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of carrying out a deliberate strike on the dorm building, with reports saying many of the victims were young students. Leonid Pasechnik, the Russian-installed head of the region, released a preliminary list of victims, most of whom were reportedly 19-year-old girls. Officials also said several people remained trapped beneath the debris.

Ukraine denied targeting the dormitory, stating its forces had struck an elite Russian drone command unit operating in the area and insisting that military operations were conducted in line with international humanitarian law. Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly instructed the military to prepare possible retaliatory measures.

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