Russia has announced a major escalation in its military operations in Ukraine following a deadly attack on a pedagogical college in Starobelsk.
An emergency press briefing was held at the Russian Embassy on June 9 to discuss the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict. Speaking to Pakistani media representatives, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev strongly condemned what he described as a Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory and educational building in Starobelsk.
According to the Russian envoy, the attack killed 21 young people, most of them students under the age of 23. More than 60 others were reportedly injured. He termed the incident a tragic attack on civilians and educational infrastructure.
Ambassador Khorev said the incident has prompted Moscow to revise the nature of its military response in Ukraine. He announced that Russia’s future military operations would focus on what it considers decision-making centers, military command headquarters, and defence-industrial facilities across Ukraine.
He stated that these operations would be carried out on a consistent and systematic basis. The envoy added that targets could include key facilities in Kyiv and other locations linked to Ukraine’s military and defence sectors.
During the briefing, the ambassador also criticized recent attacks on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the city of Energodar. He described the incidents as dangerous and irresponsible, warning that attacks near nuclear facilities could have serious regional consequences.
Khorev further accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out drone strikes in the cities of Yenakiyevo and Genichesk. He claimed these attacks were aimed at creating instability and disrupting civilian life in the affected areas.
The Russian ambassador also alleged that attempts had been made to disrupt the upcoming St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia’s most important annual economic events. He said such actions reflected a broader effort to undermine Russia’s political and economic activities.
The briefing comes amid continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides reporting intensified military activity in recent weeks. The latest statements indicate that Moscow is preparing for a more aggressive and sustained phase of its military campaign as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
