President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that 22 people remain missing after a Russian strike tore through residential buildings in Ternopil, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction.
Rescue crews, he noted, “worked all night in Ternopil, and search and rescue operations are still continuing.” More than 230 rescuers from nine Ukrainian regions are involved in the effort.
“In some areas, work can only be done by hand because of severe destruction and shattered structures. This makes the search more difficult,” Zelensky said.
The president said 26 people have been confirmed dead so far, including three children. “My condolences to their families and loved ones,” he added.
Zelensky also praised emergency workers who have been on site almost nonstop.
“I thank all our people who have been working at the site for almost 24 hours – rescuers, doctors, police officers. Thank you to each and every one,” he said.
Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Nov. 19, firing 48 missiles and more than 470 drones across Ukraine. Western regions were among those hit, but Ternopil suffered the worst damage.
Two high-rise buildings were heavily struck. Several upper floors of one building were almost completely destroyed, while the other was engulfed by a fire that swept through dozens of apartments from bottom to top.
The Interior Ministry said 26 people had been killed as of Sunday evening, and 26 were still missing. Around 100 people, including 15 children, were injured.