Key facts
- Putin called the Starobilsk strike a 'bloody crime of the Ukrainian junta.'
- He expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
- Putin ordered assistance for all victims.
- He stated that those responsible would be punished.
The statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin follows a strike on Starobilsk, a city in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. The incident has led to strong reactions from both sides of the conflict, with Russia attributing blame to Ukraine and vowing retribution.