Putin threatens response after deadly strike in Russian-occupied territory | DW News

The video reports on a recent strike in Starobilsk, in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine, which Russia claims targeted a college dormitory, killing at least six people and leaving many others missing. Russian President Vladimir Putin has characterized this as a deliberate terrorist attack on civilians and has ordered the Russian military to prepare a retaliation. However, Ukraine denies targeting civilians, asserting the attack hit a legitimate military headquarters in occupied territory. The report includes analysis from DW's Riga bureau chief and a Russia analyst regarding the Kremlin's strategic use of this event. The panel discusses how the Russian leadership is likely using the incident to bolster domestic support, frame a narrative of an existential war against NATO, and deflect from growing war fatigue within Russia. Furthermore, they evaluate the feasibility of reports suggesting Putin intends to end the war by year's end, concluding that such an outcome is highly unlikely as Putin remains committed to achieving total control over the Donbas and securing a favorable geopolitical deal with Europe.