ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (WNP): Russia has announced a significant shift in the scope and intensity of its military operations in Ukraine following what Moscow described as a deadly Ukrainian strike on civilian infrastructure in the city of Starobelsk that killed 21 young people and injured more than 60 others.
Speaking at a special press briefing held at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev briefed Pakistani media representatives on the latest developments surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and Moscow’s response to recent attacks.
According to the ambassador, a dormitory and the educational building of a pedagogical college in Starobelsk came under shelling by the Ukrainian military, resulting in the deaths of 21 teenagers and young adults under the age of 23, while more than 60 others sustained injuries.
Condemning the attack, Ambassador Khorev described the incident as a tragic and unacceptable act against civilians and educational institutions.
In response, he said, Russia had decided to give “a new quality” to its military operations in Ukraine. According to the ambassador, future Russian military actions will increasingly focus on decision-making centers, military command posts and enterprises linked to Ukraine’s defense industry, including facilities located in Kyiv.
He stated that the revised approach would be systematic, consistent and aimed at what Russia considers key elements supporting Ukraine’s military operations.
During the briefing, Ambassador Khorev also addressed a number of recent incidents that Moscow views as serious escalations in the conflict.
He accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out attacks against the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the nearby city of Enerhodar, describing such actions as reckless and posing risks to nuclear safety and regional security.
The ambassador further referred to drone strikes in Yenakiyevo and Genichesk, which he said targeted civilian areas and infrastructure.
In addition, Khorev alleged that attempts had been made to disrupt the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of Russia’s flagship international economic events, describing such actions as part of broader efforts to undermine Russia’s economic and diplomatic engagement with the international community.
The Russian envoy reiterated Moscow’s position that recent developments represent a dangerous escalation of the conflict and underscored Russia’s determination to respond to what it views as attacks on civilians, strategic facilities and critical infrastructure.
The briefing formed part of the Russian Embassy’s efforts to present Moscow’s perspective on the evolving situation in Ukraine and recent military and security developments related to the ongoing conflict.
The war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to generate significant geopolitical, humanitarian and security consequences, with both sides frequently exchanging accusations regarding attacks on civilian targets and critical infrastructure.
