A recent drone and missile attack by Russia on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil resulted in at least 25 fatalities, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault, which occurred overnight, targeted residential buildings, leading to significant destruction, particularly of the upper floors of a high-rise. Approximately 80 individuals were reported injured, and around 25 people remain unaccounted for. Among the deceased, three were children.
The attack is part of a broader offensive in which Russia launched over 470 drones and 48 missiles aimed at various locations across Ukraine, impacting energy and transportation infrastructure. In response, Ukrainian authorities imposed emergency power cuts in multiple regions as the country experiences frigid temperatures.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko described the harrowing scene, noting that many residents were unable to escape the flames engulfing their apartments. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strikes on residential areas, urging allies to exert more pressure on Russia and to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
In the wake of the attack, Poland temporarily closed its Rzeszow and Lublin airports as a precautionary measure, scrambling military aircraft to secure its airspace. Reports of explosions were also noted in other Ukrainian cities, including Lviv and Kyiv, where citizens sought shelter.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy is engaged in discussions in Turkey and plans to meet U.S. military officials in Kyiv. The ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022, has seen no direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since July. Both sides have conducted various exchanges of prisoners and war casualties, while uncertainty remains regarding future peace talks and security arrangements.