At least ten people were killed and around 40 wounded after a heavy overnight Russian missile and drone attack tore through a residential high-rise in western Ukraine, prompting neighbouring NATO states Poland and Romania to activate emergency air defence measures.
Ukrainian officials said the attack struck the upper floors of a multi-storey residential block in Ternopil, ripping away its façade as thick black smoke rose from the burning structure. An orange glow was seen through the haze as firefighters battled the blaze.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that all 10 fatalities occurred in Ternopil, adding that 12 children were among the 37 injured in the city. Authorities fear more people may still be trapped under the rubble.
The attack formed part of a larger overnight assault in which Russia launched more than 470 drones and 48 missiles, hitting both energy and transport infrastructure across Ukraine.
Energy infrastructure damaged
Energy officials reported that facilities were struck in at least seven regions, triggering emergency power cuts amid freezing temperatures. Usage restrictions were announced nationwide as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage.
A Reuters witness in Lviv also heard explosions overnight, signalling that western Ukraine—traditionally considered safer—continues to face intensifying attacks.
NATO neighbours respond
The strikes prompted immediate responses from neighbouring NATO member states.
Poland temporarily closed Rzeszow and Lublin airports in the country’s southeast. Polish and allied jets were scrambled as a precaution to secure airspace near the Ukrainian border.
Romania also responded after explosions were detected close to its frontier, heightening regional security alerts as the war approaches its four-year mark.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed damage to multiple residential buildings and again appealed to Ukraine’s allies for stronger air-defence capabilities.
“Every brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient,” he said on X, urging more sanctions and expedited delivery of air-defence missiles.
He warned that civilians remain at risk as long as Russia maintains its campaign of large-scale missile strikes.
Wider Toll: 16 Dead in Border Region Explosions
Beyond Ternopil, at least 16 people were killed in separate explosions that hit Ukraine’s border region, adding to the rising civilian toll. These blasts led both Poland and Romania to enhance surveillance and readiness as fears of spillover incidents persist.
