Teenager Arrested in Perm Region After Seriously Injuring Classmate in Knife Attack - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 19, 2026
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A teenager was arrested in the Perm region after seriously injuring a classmate during a knife attack at School No. 1 in Alexandrovsk. The 13-year-old attacker stabbed his victim in the neck and torso, leaving the latter in critical condition. Authorities swiftly responded by sending the injured student to a hospital in Berezniki and dispatching a medical team from Perm for specialized care. The incident has sparked concerns over school safety, as it marks at least the sixth knife attack in Russian schools since the start of 2024.
The investigation is ongoing, with the attacker being questioned and charges including attempted murder, negligence, and safety violations at the school. The incident reportedly stemmed from a prior conflict between the two students. In response, Alexandrovsk authorities canceled classes across all local schools until next Tuesday to ensure student safety. This move highlights growing concerns about school security in Russia, particularly following similar incidents this year.
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev reported that police have prevented 21 school attacks nationwide since January. While some incidents are successfully intercepted, the recent surge in knife attacks has raised alarm bells. Experts and officials are now calling for stronger measures to address these safety issues in schools. The case also underscores broader challenges faced by Russian education systems in maintaining a safe environment for students.
Separately, the incident comes amid heightened tensions between independent media and the Russian government. The Moscow Times, which reported this story, has been labeled an "undesirable" organization by Russia's Prosecutor General’s Office, facing increasing pressure to cease operations. Despite these challenges, the outlet continues to provide critical coverage of events in Russia, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in holding power to account.
This attack reflects a broader pattern of violence in Russian schools and raises questions about the adequacy of current safety measures. While authorities have taken steps to address such incidents, the frequency of attacks underscores the need for more robust prevention strategies. The case also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by independent media in Russia, which often face repression while trying to report on critical issues like public safety.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/19/2026