Ternopil, Ukraine – 25 people were killed in a massive Russian drone and missile attack Wednesday night in west Ukraine, according to its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy confirmed that three children were among those killed.
93 people have also been injured.
Kyiv officials said the strikes hit two nine-story apartment blocks in the western city of Ternopil, turning large sections of the buildings into burned-out ruins.
Aside from the residential building, the attacks also affected energy grids from seven regions, forcing emergency power cuts.
This attack came from Russia launching 476 drones and 48 missiles across the country, according to international media.
Russia forces claimed the airstrikes were retaliation for what it called terrorist attacks on their territory, saying Ukrainian forces had launched four US-made missiles toward the southern city of Russia.
They, however, denied targeting civilians.
On the other hand, Zelenskyy shared that first responders worked nonstop for the search and rescue operations.
“There are still people trapped under the rubble, and first responders are continuing search and rescue operations,” Zelenskyy said.
He also emphasized that Ukraine’s allies are ready to pressure Russia.
“Russia will never stop on its own. Their goal is to continue killing and destroying life in Ukraine. Only strong pressure on the aggressor can stop this. Every life matters. Every life must be protected. And I am grateful to our partners who are ready to pressure Russia, help our people, and do everything possible to restore a just peace,” he emphasized.
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY VISITED TURKEY IN BID TO END THE WAR
The attack came as Zelenskyy travelled to Turkey on the same day for talks aimed at reviving efforts to end the war.
In a social media statement, he wrote that Turkey’s President proposed an effort of conversation formats to end the war, though Zelenskyy did not give particular details.
“President Erdoğan proposed conversation formats, which I supported, and it is important for us that Türkiye is ready to provide the necessary platform. We are also ready to work in any other meaningful formats that could yield results,” he wrote.
He also mentioned that this cannot be upheld without the sufficient power of the United States.
Zeleneskyy also visited Greece, France, and Spain this week as he cooperated in strengthening the nation’s defense and welfare of his community.