KYIV, Ukraine – A large-scale overnight Russian assault involving drones and missiles killed at least 10 people and injured dozens across Ukraine, officials reported on Wednesday. The attack coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s travel to Turkey for talks aimed at finding a settlement to end the war.
Apartment Blocks Hit in Western City
The deadliest single strike hit two nine-story apartment buildings in the western city of Ternopil, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Emergency crews worked through the day, sifting through rubble in search of survivors. At least 37 people were injured in Ternopil, including 12 children.
Unprecedented Scale of Attack
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a massive barrage overnight, firing a total of 476 strike and decoy drones and 48 missiles of various types at targets throughout the country.
In a message on Telegram, President Zelenskyy linked the brutality of the attack to the need for increased international pressure. “Every brazen attack against ordinary life indicates that the pressure on Russia (to stop the war) is insufficient,” he wrote.
Diplomatic Efforts in Turkey
Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later Wednesday. The Ukrainian leader stated the talks would focus on “maximum capabilities to ensure that Ukraine achieves a just peace,” and noted his “good relations” with Erdogan.
In a cryptic remark, Zelenskyy added, “We see some positions and signals from the United States, well, let’s see tomorrow.” This appeared to reference tough new American sanctions on Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect on Friday.
A senior Turkish official initially stated that US special envoy Steve Witkoff would join the talks but later retracted the statement, confirming Witkoff would not be present.
Regional Fallout and NATO Response
The attack had repercussions beyond Ukraine’s immediate borders:
- NATO Airspace Breach: Romania’s Ministry of National Defence scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon and two F-16 jets after a drone entered its airspace during the attacks.
- Polish Precaution: Polish and allied aircraft were deployed as a precaution, temporarily closing the Rzeszow and Lublin airports to prioritize military aviation.
Other Regions Targeted
The assault caused widespread damage and casualties in other parts of Ukraine:
- Kharkiv: In Ukraine’s second-largest city, Russian drone strikes injured 46 people, including two girls. The attack damaged at least 16 residential buildings, an ambulance station, a school, and other civilian infrastructure.
- Other Areas: Nearly 50 people were reported injured in strikes on three other Ukrainian regions.
Russian Claims of Ukrainian Retaliation
Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that Ukraine fired four US-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Russian city of Voronezh on Tuesday. It stated that all four were intercepted, but falling debris damaged an orphanage and a gerontology centre. The ministry reported no casualties. Ukraine’s General Staff had previously acknowledged firing ATACMS missiles at Russia without providing specific details.
