A large-scale Russian drone and missile attack rocked the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil on Tuesday night, leaving at least 25 dead and 73 injured, including three children. The attack, which hit two nine-story residential buildings, has prompted emergency services to work around the clock to rescue survivors trapped under the rubble and combat the fires that have engulfed the area.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia launched over 470 drones and 48 missiles during the overnight assault, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas across several regions, including Lviv and Kharkiv. In a statement on X, he emphasized the urgent need for additional air defense systems, combat aviation capabilities, and drone production to protect Ukrainian lives, calling for effective sanctions and increased support for the country. Zelenskyy urged global partners to maintain pressure on Russia, citing the necessity of robust defense measures to safeguard civilians from further attacks.
Poland, situated on the border with Ukraine, has also taken swift action to ensure its airspace is protected. The country’s Operational Command reported that it scrambled fighter jets and elevated air defense readiness following the missile and drone strikes. Poland emphasized that these measures were preventive in nature, aimed at deterring any potential threats to its national security and neighboring countries. The response highlights the growing concern over the escalation of the conflict and the potential for cross-border tensions to intensify.
Meanwhile, NATO allies have expressed alarm at the incursions by Russian drones into their airspace, with Romania and Latvia confirming the presence of these drones near their borders. The situation has added urgency to discussions about the need for a coordinated response to such threats, as the conflict continues to evolve and challenge international security frameworks.
As the humanitarian and security crises deepen, the international community faces increasing pressure to provide more substantial support to Ukraine. With the war showing no signs of abating, the focus remains on strengthening defensive capabilities and ensuring accountability for Russia’s actions, which have caused devastating civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. This incident underscores the profound human and material toll of the conflict, as well as its far-reaching implications for global stability and security.