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A devastating Russian assault involving both drones and missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Ternopil on Tuesday night, resulting in the tragic loss of more than two dozen lives, among them three children.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the attack left at least 25 dead and injured 73 others, targeting two nine-story residential buildings. Rescue teams were urgently deployed to sift through the debris and extinguish the blazes ignited by the onslaught.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the assault involved over 470 drones and 48 missiles. The scale of destruction was evident in images from the aftermath, which displayed shattered windows, the charred remains of buildings, and thick smoke as emergency crews worked tirelessly to secure the area.
A particularly graphic moment from the attack was captured as a Russian Kh-101 missile hurtled toward and struck a civilian apartment complex in Ternopil, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
A Russian Kh-101 missile flies toward and hits a civilian apartment building in Ternopil, Ukraine, during a deadly strike on Nov. 18, 2025. (East2West)
Zelenskyy said nine other regions across Ukraine were also struck, including critical infrastructure and energy facilities in Lviv and civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv.
People look at a residential building heavily damaged after a Russian strike on Ternopil, Ukraine, on Nov. 19, 2025. (Vlad Kravchuk/AP)
“Every brazen attack against ordinary life proves that the pressure on Russia is still insufficient. Effective sanctions and assistance for Ukraine can change this. The top priority is air defense missiles, additional systems, expanded capabilities for our combat aviation, and drone production to protect lives,” he wrote on X.
“Russia must be held accountable for its actions, and we must stay focused on everything that strengthens us and enables us to shoot down Russian missiles, neutralize Russian drones, and stop assaults.”
Rescue workers put out a fire at a residential building damaged by a Russian strike on Ternopil, Ukraine, on Nov. 19, 2025. (Rostyslav Kovalchuk/AP)
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, stressing the measures were preventive and aimed at protecting Polish airspace near the border.