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Russia has launched a significant missile offensive across multiple Ukrainian cities in retaliation for an attack on a college dormitory in Luhansk. The strikes, which reportedly involved 'Oreshnik' missiles, have resulted in casualties and widespread damage.

Luhansk Dormitory Attack

The initial incident occurred in Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast, where an attack on a college building and dormitory of the Starobilsk Pedagogical University, allegedly by Ukrainian forces, claimed the lives of 21 individuals, many of whom were teenagers.

Russian Retaliation

In response to the Luhansk incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a massive missile strike on Ukraine. Official reports from Russia's TASS agency confirmed that the death toll from the Starobilsk college attack reached 21. The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) stated that by May 22, the total number of affected individuals from the attack had risen to 63, including both fatalities and injuries.

Details of the Attack

According to the Russian side, Ukrainian drones targeted the educational building and dormitory of the Starobilsk vocational college. At the time of the alleged drone strike, 86 students aged between 14 and 18 were reportedly inside the facility.

International Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the potential use of 'Oreshnik' missiles. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State reported receiving information about a possible imminent missile strike near the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Strikes on Kyiv

The head of Kyiv's military administration, Timur Tkachneko, reported a "massive ballistic strike" on the capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that the strikes caused damage and that some individuals sought medical assistance.

The 'Oreshnik' Missile

Ukrainian media outlets have suggested that Russia may have used the medium-range 'Oreshnik' ballistic missile to strike the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. This marks the third documented instance of Russian forces employing this type of weapon against Ukraine.