Russia unleashed a massive overnight barrage across Ukraine on Nov. 19, crippling energy infrastructure, destroying a residential high-rise in Ternopil, and prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets as explosions shook cities from Kharkiv to Lviv.
Russia struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure yet again, triggering widespread emergency power outages across multiple regions.
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According to the Ministry of Energy, the power system suffered additional damage, and the heavy load on networks forced operators to immediately introduce emergency shutdown schedules to prevent further failures.
“As the security situation allows, rescuers and energy workers will begin eliminating the consequences of the attack to restore power as soon as possible. Emergency outages will be lifted once the system stabilizes,” the ministry said.
Early Wednesday, Russian forces launched a massive Geran-2 kamikaze drone attack on Kharkiv, injuring at least 36 people, including 2 children who suffered acute stress reactions, according to doctors.
Police reported that the Slobidskyi and Osnovyanskyi districts were hit around midnight.
The attack caused severe destruction: more than 10 apartment buildings, civilian enterprises, garages, an ambulance substation, a supermarket, a gym, a shop, a school, several trolleybuses, and dozens of cars were damaged.
Rescuers evacuated people from dangerous areas, and several buildings were completely destroyed. At least 10 cars were burned or heavily damaged, and local authorities reported significant destruction to a Silpo supermarket.
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Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov later reported that Russian forces struck the city with 19 “Shahed” drones, though one failed to detonate.
“We have 46 wounded, including two girls (aged 9 and 13). Some people are hospitalized with shrapnel wounds - doctors are providing them with all necessary assistance,” he posted.
According to Terekhov, surveying of the affected areas is ongoing, and the total damage is likely to increase. So far, 40 homes have been destroyed across two districts, and 3,145 windows have been shattered.
In addition, dozens of civilian cars were destroyed or damaged, three city trolleybuses were hit, and several sections of street lighting were damaged.
“Regarding utilities: we have already restored water, heat, and electricity supply where technically possible. But repairs are still underway in some areas,” he added.
Overnight, Russia also attacked Lviv and Ternopil. Explosions rocked Lviv at around 6:40 a.m., followed shortly after by power outages. Mayor Andriy Sadovy said public transport schedules would change due to the continuing air raid alert.
The regional military administration (OVA) confirmed damage to an energy infrastructure in Lviv, as well as a woodworking facility and a warehouse. No casualties were reported.
Ternopil came under missile and drone attack. Local channels reported smoke rising over the city after the strikes. Later, Mayor Serhiy Nadal wrote on Telegram:
“The killers hit our city with missiles and drones. Buildings and residential homes were damaged. There are injured. Emergency services are working on-site.”
Local reports indicated that a residential high-rise was severely damaged.
“Half of the building is almost gone… And there is a playground nearby. Probably a strategic military facility for the Russians,” one post said.
Footage of a wounded child from Ternopil circulated on social media. Witnesses reported a massive column of smoke over the city and burning parked cars.
The strikes prompted Poland to scramble its jets. The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces reported on X:
“In connection with the attack by the Russian Federation… Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace. Another pair of fighter jets and an early radar surveillance aircraft have been raised into the air.”
Poland’s ground-based air defense, radar, and long-range reconnaissance systems were also on maximum alert.
“The Operational Command is monitoring the situation, and subordinate forces remain ready for immediate response,” the military added.
Most of the overnight UAVs and missiles targeted western Ukraine, with explosions reported in Lviv, Ternopil, Burshtyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytsky regions.
Explosions were also heard in the Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Kyiv regions.
Energy and civilian infrastructure were hit, including thermal power plants.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to the massive overnight attack, writing on Telegram that emergency services are working across multiple regions to deal with the aftermath.
“We know about more than 470 strike drones and 48 missiles of various types – ballistic and cruise – that Russia launched over Ukraine this night,” he wrote.
According to Zelensky, several nine-story residential buildings were hit in Ternopil, sparking fires and causing heavy destruction. Rescuers believe people may still be trapped under the rubble.
“All necessary services are working on the ground, trying to save every life. As of now, dozens of people are known to be injured and, unfortunately, nine have died. My condolences to their families,” he added.
Zelensky also mentioned a massive strike on Kharkiv, where dozens were injured and energy, transport, and civilian infrastructure sustained significant damage.
“Our energy sector in the Ivano-Frankivsk region was attacked. Three people were injured, two of them children. In the Lviv region, critical infrastructure and the energy sector were hit. One person was injured in the Donetsk region,” he wrote.
He added that Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Dnipro regions were also targeted.
Zelensky said that “every brazen attack against ordinary life” shows current pressure on Russia is insufficient, but that stronger sanctions and increased support for Ukraine can change the situation.
“Our primary need is missiles for air defense, additional systems, strengthened combat aviation, and expanded drone production to protect lives,” he said.
This ongoing news story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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