Death Toll Rises to 21 After Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian School in Luhansk, May 23

According to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry, the death toll from a Ukrainian drone strike on Starobelsk vocational school in Luhansk rose to 21 as of May 23, with search and rescue operations concluded. The attack occurred overnight on May 22, targeting teaching buildings and dormitories of the school, where 86 adolescents aged 14 to 18 were present at the time, according to Passechnik, the Russian-appointed head of Luhansk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that no military or special facilities were located near the attacked school, adding there is no evidence the drones were knocked down or off course when striking the dormitory. Putin has ordered Russia's Defense Ministry to prepare retaliatory strike options.