A large-scale Russian drone and missile attack struck the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil on Tuesday night, killing more than 25 people, including three children, and injuring 73. The assault targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure, with at least two nine-story buildings struck.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the casualties and reported that emergency services were working to rescue trapped individuals and extinguish fires resulting from the strikes. The attack, which involved over 470 drones and 48 missiles, highlights the ongoing intensification of hostilities on the frontlines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing the urgency for enhanced air defense systems and increased combat capabilities to protect civilian lives. He called for effective sanctions and international support to bolster Ukraine’s defense against further attacks.
In response to the strikes, Poland scrambled fighter jets and raised air defense readiness, stressing that the measures were preventive and aimed at protecting Polish airspace near the border. The attacks also prompted Romania and Latvia to report incursions by Russian drones into NATO airspace, underscoring the regional implications of the conflict.
The incident underscores the severe human toll of the ongoing conflict and the need for sustained international support to counter Russian aggression. As the situation escalates, concerns about the safety of civilians and the effectiveness of defensive measures continue to dominate the discourse.