A large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine rocked the western city of Ternopil Tuesday night, killing more than two dozen people, including three children. Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that at least 25 people were killed and 73 injured in the strike that hit two nine-story residential buildings.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia launched more than 470 drones and 48 missiles in the overnight assault. Emergency services were working to rescue people under the rubble and put out fires caused by the strikes. Photos from the scene showed the devastation, with blown-out windows, the charred exterior of a residential building, and smoke billowing as crews worked to clear the area.
Additional strikes targeted critical infrastructure and energy facilities in Lviv and civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv. Zelenskyy also mentioned nine other regions across Ukraine were affected. In his statement on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for effective sanctions and assistance for Ukraine, urging increased air defense capabilities and drone production to protect civilian lives.
Poland’s Operational Command said late Tuesday it had scrambled fighter jets and raised air defense readiness after Russia launched the missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. The measures were described as preventive, aimed at protecting Polish airspace near the border.
Meanwhile, Romania and Latvia confirmed incursions by Russian drones into NATO airspace, highlighting the ongoing threats. Zelenskyy reiterated the necessity of holding Russia accountable and staying focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against further attacks.