Ukraine witnessed its deadliest night of 2025 as Russia launched a colossal aerial assault, heavily impacting the western city of Ternopil. A barrage of over 470 attack drones and 48 missiles struck residential areas just after midnight, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 25 lives and leaving 73 people injured. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that three children were among the fatalities.
Rescue operations commenced immediately and extended through the morning, with emergency teams battling fires and collapsing structures. The State Emergency Service and National Police utilized 45 specialized units, including advanced robotic equipment, to search for survivors in the devastated neighborhoods. Fires in multiple nine-storey apartment buildings required hours of concerted effort to extinguish.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation, labeling the event as a widespread, coordinated attack across Ukraine. He detailed the use of multiple cruise missiles and a ballistic missile launched in coordinated waves. Ternopil, he stated, suffered immense destruction, and efforts to rescue those believed to be trapped continue. Other regions, including Kharkiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and others, also faced strikes impacting civilian life and infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities, including missiles, systems, and aircraft, alongside bolstering domestic drone production. He called for accountability for Russia’s ongoing aggression. Concurrently, Ukraine announced significant new security and economic support from Greece, France, and Spain, collectively valued at over EUR 515 million. This includes Greece’s commitment to gas supplies, France’s pledge of 100 Rafale aircraft and advanced air defense systems, and Spain’s substantial financial and missile contributions to bolster Ukraine’s defense and energy security.