A recent Russian missile and drone attack on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil has resulted in the deaths of nine people, while dozens more have sustained injuries. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the fatalities and reported significant damage to residential blocks during a night of intense strikes, which included more than 470 drones and 47 missiles aimed at various locations across Ukraine.
The assault on Ternopil marks one of the deadliest attacks on western Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Zelensky described the situation as a “brazen attack,” emphasizing the destruction inflicted on civilian infrastructure. He noted that people may be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings, highlighting the urgency of ongoing rescue efforts.
Widespread Damage and Casualties
In addition to Ternopil, the city of Kharkiv experienced significant drone attacks that injured more than 30 individuals, including children. Eyewitness accounts and photos circulating on social media depict scenes of widespread devastation, with buildings and vehicles engulfed in flames.
The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that power outages were impacting multiple regions of the country due to the strikes. Critical infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region was also affected, where two of the injured were children. In the Lviv region, Zelensky confirmed damage to energy facilities, compounding the challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining essential services.
Calls for International Support
While attending talks in Turkey with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelensky called for increased support from Ukraine’s allies, asserting that the ongoing attacks demonstrate insufficient pressure on Russia. He stated, “Every brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient. Effective sanctions and assistance to Ukraine can change this.”
Zelensky had intended to discuss the potential for intensified peace negotiations during his visit to Ankara, but the Kremlin announced that no Russian representatives would participate in the discussions. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and casualties resulting from the attacks.
The international community continues to monitor events closely, with further developments anticipated in the ongoing conflict.
