Putin Orders Retaliation After Drone Attack on Luhansk School

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered retaliation after a drone attack on a vocational school dormitory in Luhansk, which Russia attributes to Ukraine. The attack resulted in 6 deaths and 39 injuries, raising concerns about escalation.

Sat May 23 2026

Luhansk Vocational School Drone Attack and Putin's Retaliation Order

Russian President Vladimir Putin called a drone attack on a vocational school dormitory in Luhansk a 'tragedy' and ordered the Russian military to prepare retaliatory measures. According to Vedomosti on May 22, the Ukrainian military used 16 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to target the Starobelsk vocational school dormitory, resulting in 6 deaths, 15 missing, and 39 injured. Putin emphasized that there were no military bases or intelligence facilities related to the Russian army near the attacked school and demanded a retaliation plan.

Potential for Escalation and Impact on Peace Talks

Russian authorities in Luhansk stated that the Starobelsk school was attacked at night while students were sleeping, with photos showing at least two buildings destroyed. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff confirmed attacks on 'facilities used for military purposes' in Starobelsk but denied responsibility for the school attack. Observers suggest that the incident in Starobelsk could negatively affect peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which had seen numerous discussions thanks to mediation efforts by US President Donald Trump. Russia is likely to retaliate with large-scale drone and hypersonic missile attacks on Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that only a negotiated settlement can end the war and affirmed the US's readiness for further constructive dialogue.

*Source: Vietnam.vn (2026-05-23)*

Tags: #Russia #Ukraine #drone #Putin #international-relations