A devastating Russian missile attack has struck the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, killing at least 25 people and injuring many more in a brutal overnight assault on residential buildings.
Apartment Block Destroyed in Night Attack
The attack represents one of the deadliest recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in western Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that multi-storey residential buildings had been directly hit, causing catastrophic damage and numerous casualties.
Emergency services worked through the night to rescue survivors from the rubble of the destroyed apartment block. The attack has left families homeless and a community in mourning as the death toll continues to be assessed.
Zelenskiy's Urgent Plea to Western Allies
In response to the attack, President Zelenskiy made an impassioned appeal to Ukraine's international partners. He urged allies to increase pressure on Russia to end its nearly four-year war and specifically called for enhanced military support.
The Ukrainian leader emphasised the critical need for more air defence missiles to protect Ukrainian cities from such devastating attacks. His statement highlighted the growing urgency as civilian areas continue to bear the brunt of Russian aggression.
Widespread Damage to Energy Infrastructure
Beyond the immediate human tragedy in Ternopil, Ukrainian energy officials reported additional widespread damage. Energy infrastructure had been struck in seven separate Ukrainian regions during the same coordinated overnight attack.
This multi-front assault on critical infrastructure represents a significant escalation in tactics, potentially leaving millions without reliable power as winter approaches. The coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a deliberate strategy to cripple Ukraine's energy grid.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as Ukraine appeals for increased support to defend its civilian population and critical infrastructure from further attacks.