Credited from: BBC
A series of intense Russian strikes on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil resulted in at least 25 fatalities and 73 injuries as two high-rise buildings were targeted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that attacks involved 476 drones and 48 missiles, marking one of the deadliest assaults in recent months. The Interior Ministry reported overwhelming fires and debris as rescue operations commenced to locate survivors trapped in the rubble, with authorities describing the situation as dire and chaotic, according to BBC and India Times.
The attacks struck not only residential areas but also critically damaged energy infrastructure as winter temperatures plunge, increasing the urgency of heat supplies in Ukraine. Zelensky, who was in Turkey at the time attempting to galvanize support for renewed peace negotiations with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stated, "Every brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient," underscoring the need for more concerted international action against Moscow, according to CBS News and LA Times.
As rescue operations continued, reports confirmed that the Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted military and energy facilities. In the midst of this crisis, Zelensky's diplomatic efforts faced setbacks when the anticipated presence of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff at the Turkey talks did not materialize, resulting in minimal outcomes from the discussions on a potential peace process, as articulated by SCMP and Le Monde.
Despite hopes for U.S. sanctions to compel Russia back to negotiations, Zelensky warned that ongoing military pressure would necessitate a reevaluation of international diplomatic strategies. He stressed the urgency to ensure any future dialogues consider Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as reiterated by Anadolu Agency and Anadolu Agency.