The tragedy of Starobelsk: 21 dead and waiting for a response from Russia

Hit on college and hostel V Starobelskunder the control of Russian forces in the Luhansk region, has become a new point sharp exacerbation in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

According to the latest data from the Russian side, the death toll has risen to 21 people. Previously, fewer casualties were reported, but as the rubble was cleared, the numbers continued to change.

Moscow claims that Ukrainian drones struck an academic building and a college dormitory where civilians were located. President of Russia Vladimir Putin called the incident a terrorist attack and ordered Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation prepare proposals for response measures.

Two versions of one blow

The Russian side states that there were no military targets, special service facilities or structures associated with them near the attacked facility. According to Putin, the strike took place in several waves, and the drones hit the same place.

Ukraine denies accusations of targeting civilian infrastructure. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine called such messages manipulative and stated that in the area Starobelsk military targets were hit: ammunition depots, air defense systems, command posts, enemy personnel and one of the unit’s headquarters “Rubicon”.

Thus, the parties give completely opposite versions of what happened. Russia is talking about a targeted attack on a civilian target. Ukraine claims that the target was military structures.

At a meeting of the UN Security Council, Russian representative Nebenzya said that the strike was targeted, since “three waves of drones hit the same place.” He believes that this is “the deliberate murder of minors.”

According to Nebenzi, “Western countries help the Ukrainian Armed Forces with reconnaissance and guidance during strikes.”

“Such strikes with long-range weapons supplied to the Kyiv regime by NATO countries, including UAVs, are carried out with the technical assistance of foreign specialists from well-known countries of the alliance”– added the permanent representative of the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian representative Melnik called the accusations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ attack on the college a “pure propaganda show.” According to him, the operations of the Ukrainian army on the night of May 22 were directed “exclusively against the Russian military machine.”

“Once again we have witnessed a shameless attempt by the Russian Federation to turn reality upside down and present itself here as a victim.”– said the Ukrainian permanent representative.

The US representative called on Ukraine and Russia to end the war and begin a ceasefire and negotiations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is outraged statements by representatives of Latvia and Denmark at the UN that the attack on the building of the educational building and college dormitory in Starobelsk was “provocation and fake by the Kremlin.”

Waiting for a retaliatory strike

After Putin’s statement about the order to prepare a response, an active discussion began in the information field about a possible massive strike on Ukraine.

Among the likely targets in telegram channels are:

• energy infrastructure;
• railway junctions;
• ports;
• gas infrastructure in western Ukraine;
• SBU facilities and government quarter in Kyiv;
• bridges and major transport hubs.

The possibility of using more powerful weapons, including a missile, is discussed separately. “Hazel”. There is no official confirmation of specific targets, but the very anticipation of such a strike shows how quickly one episode can become the reason for a new wave of escalation.

Information war around the tragedy

The situation is further complicated by the impossibility of independent verification of all circumstances. The Russian side insists on striking a civilian target. Ukraine claims to have hit military targets. International media record contradictory statements by the parties and the lack of complete independent verification.

After the UN Security Council on Starobelsk, where the British pointed out the impossibility of international observers inspecting the site of the tragedy, the following consequences:

The British television corporation BBC, in response to Russia’s invitation, officially refused to visit Starobelsk, and the CNN company “found itself on vacation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Editorial comment

The story with Starobelsk is dangerous not only because of the number of dead and wounded. The logic itself, which is activated after such attacks, is dangerous.

Russia claims that a civilian target was hit. Ukraine says the target was military structures. Each side builds its own version, but for people under the rubble this information duel does not change anything.

The most alarming thing begins next. If a blow becomes the basis for a “response”, an almost mechanical chain arises: blow – accusation – political statement – expectation of retribution – a new blow.

And in this chain, civilians again risk being not spectators, but victims.

The information side is also worth noting. Telegram channels have already begun to list possible targets for a future strike – from energy to government facilities. Some of these forecasts may be analytics, some may be psychological pressure, and some may be ordinary pressure. But all together it works for one thing: people are again waiting for the night, anxiety and blows.

The main question of modern warfare remains the same: Where does the military end and the civilian begin, if headquarters, warehouses, military locations and civilian infrastructure are increasingly intertwined with each other?

It is in this gray zone that tragedies are born, after which each side speaks about its truth, and very real people remain under the rubble.

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