UPDATE: A devastating overnight assault by Russian forces has left 10 dead and at least 37 injured in Ukraine, including 12 children. The barrage struck two nine-storey apartment blocks in Ternopil, while President Volodymyr Zelensky was en route to Turkey for critical peace talks aimed at addressing Russia’s ongoing invasion.
The Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the casualties following the attack, which involved a staggering 476 drones and 48 missiles. Emergency responders are currently sifting through the rubble in search of any survivors. This brutal strike highlights the urgent need for international action as Zelensky prepares to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later today.
In a poignant message on Telegram, Zelensky stated, “Every brazen attack against ordinary life indicates that the pressure on Russia to stop the war is insufficient.” His diplomatic mission aims to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin and galvanize more robust international support for Ukraine.
As the situation escalates, Zelensky expressed hope for effective discussions about achieving a just peace. He noted, “We see some positions and signals from the United States; well, let’s see tomorrow,” referring to impending sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector set to take effect on Friday.
In addition to the casualties in Ternopil, Russian strikes in the northeastern city of Kharkiv injured 46 people, including two young girls. Attacks in Kharkiv hit at least 16 residential buildings, an ambulance station, and local schools, according to regional military officials.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine launched four American-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Russian city of Voronezh on Tuesday, all of which were intercepted without casualties.
As tensions continue to rise, Romania scrambled Eurofighter Typhoon jets and F-16s due to a drone entering NATO airspace during the attacks. The Polish military also temporarily closed Rzeszow and Lublin airports to prioritize military operations.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With ongoing attacks and the humanitarian crisis deepening, the world watches closely as Zelensky seeks support from Turkey and other allies to forge a path toward peace. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
