Russian Strike Kills 25 in Western Ukraine Attack/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Russian missile and drone assault on Ternopil, Ukraine, has killed at least 25 people and injured over 70. The attack coincides with President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic visit to Turkey to rally support and discuss peace with President Erdogan. Tensions escalate as NATO members respond to airspace violations and U.S. sanctions loom.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Quick Looks
- Russian strike on Ternopil kills 25, including three children.
- Over 70 injured, as two apartment buildings collapse.
- Attack involved 476 drones and 48 missiles.
- Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most, aided by F-16s.
- Zelenskyy visits Turkey for talks with President Erdogan.
- U.S. envoy Witkoff was expected but didn’t attend.
- Russian missiles also hit Kharkiv, injuring 46 civilians.
- NATO jets scrambled as drone enters Romanian airspace.
- Poland temporarily closed airports due to threat.
- Russia claims Ukraine fired ATACMS missiles into Voronezh.
Deep Look: 25 Killed in Russian Ternopil Strike as Zelenskyy Seeks Turkish Support
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A brutal Russian aerial assault struck western Ukraine’s city of Ternopil overnight, killing at least 25 civilians, including three children, and injuring more than 70 others, Ukrainian officials reported Wednesday. The attack came just as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Turkey for high-stakes talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed at strengthening diplomatic pressure against Russia.
Ternopil Hit Hard in Overnight Barrage
The large-scale attack targeted two nine-story residential buildings in Ternopil, a city roughly 120 miles (200 kilometers) from the Polish border, and previously considered a relatively safe zone far from the front lines. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that emergency crews were still combing through the rubble for survivors.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 476 drones—both strike and decoys—along with 48 missiles of various types were launched during the night. Of these, 47 were cruise missiles, and Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted all but six. The defense response included assistance from Western-supplied F-16s and Mirage-2000 fighter jets, which helped down at least 10 cruise missiles.
“Every brazen attack against ordinary life indicates that the pressure on Russia is insufficient,” Zelenskyy said via Telegram.
Zelenskyy Arrives in Turkey Seeking Stronger Alliances
While his country was reeling from one of the most devastating strikes in months, President Zelenskyy arrived in Turkey to meet with President Erdogan, continuing efforts to diplomatically isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy stressed that talks would focus on achieving a “just peace” for Ukraine and praised his “good relations” with Erdogan. He also hinted at new developments expected from the U.S., stating, “We see some positions and signals from the United States, well, let’s see tomorrow.”
Although U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was initially expected to join the meeting in Turkey, Turkish officials later confirmed he would not attend. Witkoff has recently been involved in backchannel peace talks with Russian representatives, but the reason for his absence remains unclear.
New U.S. Sanctions, NATO Scrambles, and Escalation Fears
Adding to the tension, tough new U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil industry—designed to pressure Moscow back to the negotiating table—are set to take effect on Friday.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the Ternopil assault was in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil. Russian officials claimed they struck energy infrastructure, military-industrial facilities, and long-range drone depots.
During the attack, NATO airspace was briefly violated. Romania confirmed that two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and two F-16s were scrambled after a drone crossed into its airspace. Meanwhile, Poland temporarily shut down Rzeszów and Lublin airports, prioritizing military aviation amid growing regional anxiety.
Additional Strikes on Ukrainian Cities
Beyond Ternopil, several other Ukrainian regions endured attacks:
- In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, 46 civilians were injured, including two young girls, following drone strikes that damaged residential buildings, a school, an ambulance station, and other civilian infrastructure.
- Ukrainian authorities also reported nearly 50 injuries across three additional regions, underscoring the widespread nature of the Russian offensive.
Russia Alleges Ukrainian Missile Attack on Voronezh
On the same day, Russia accused Ukraine of firing four U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Russian city of Voronezh. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed all four were intercepted, but debris caused damage to a private home, an orphanage, and a gerontology center. There were no reported casualties.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed launching ATACMS missiles but provided no specific details on targets or outcomes.
Conclusion: Rising Tensions and International Stakes
This week’s events represent a stark reminder of the unrelenting intensity of Russia’s war on Ukraine, even as behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are underway. As Zelenskyy seeks international backing and new sanctions come into play, the situation remains volatile, with civilian casualties mounting and pressure growing on all sides to find a path toward peace.
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