A large-scale Russian aerial attack on the Ukrainian city of Ternopil resulted in at least 25 civilian fatalities and 73 injuries, according to officials. The strike, which targeted two nine-story residential buildings, left the area in ruins with fires and debris. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the Russian military deployed over 470 drones and 48 missiles in the attacks, which also hit critical infrastructure in Lviv and Kharkiv. Polish authorities responded by scrambling fighter jets to prevent potential threats to their airspace, emphasizing the growing regional tensions. Emergency crews are currently working to rescue survivors and combat the fires caused by the strike.
The attack marks another significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Russian forces targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy called for increased international support, emphasizing the urgent need for air defense systems and more advanced weaponry to protect Ukrainian citizens. The President has repeatedly stated that Russia’s aggression must be met with robust sanctions and military backing. Meanwhile, Poland’s military has taken preventative measures, raising its air defenses and deploying fighter jets to secure its border region, which is close to the conflict zones in Ukraine.
International reactions to the attack have been swift, with NATO and other Western allies condemning the Russian assault. The incident has also reignited concerns about potential Russian incursions into NATO airspace, as reports from Romania and Latvia confirmed drone sightings near their borders. These developments have intensified the call for increased military and economic assistance to Ukraine, with many in the West urging stronger sanctions against Russia. The attack underscores the severity of the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian toll it is exacting on Ukrainian civilians.