After massive airstrikes in Ternopil: 22 Ukrainians remain missing

The number of victims in the Ukrainian city of Ternopil remains unknown, even one day after the Russian airstrike. Dozens of people are being searched for under the rubble.

Rescue teams in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil were still searching for survivors after a massive Russian airstrike a day earlier. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj wrote on Telegram that 22 people were still missing. About 230 rescue workers were on duty, some of whom could only clear the rubble by hand because of the risk of collapse. Currently, it is known that 26 people have died, including three children, he said. Previously there was talk of 25 deaths.

Russia fires missiles and drones at Ukraine

Russia fired dozens of rockets and cruise missiles as well as nearly 500 drones into Ukraine on Wednesday evening in one of the heaviest air strikes in weeks. In Ternopil, two nine-story residential buildings were badly damaged. The affected missile was identified by the Ukrainian Air Force as a Ch-101 cruise missile. This missile was launched by a strategic bomber over Russian territory.

Rescue workers search through ruins in Ternopil, Ukraine, following a devastating Russian missile and drone attack on November 19, 2025. At least 26 people, including 3 children, were killed and 92 others were injured. Two nine-story buildings were badly damaged. image alliance / Anadolu | Ternopil Regional Military Administration / Handout

The Kremlin emphasized military objectives despite civilian casualties

Russia says it only fires at military or military-linked targets in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized this again after the fallout in Ternopil.

The UN has counted more than 14,000 civilian casualties in Ukraine since the start of the war ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. These are only confirmed cases; the actual number is thought to be much higher.