A large-scale missile and drone strike by Russia has resulted in significant destruction and casualties in several regions of Ukraine, particularly in Ternopil and Kharkiv.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Course of the Attack and Air Defense Actions
On the evening of November 18, the Russian Federation launched a massive attack on critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. According to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the aggressor used 476 strike drones of the “Shahed” and “Gerbera” types, 40 X-101 cruise missiles, seven “Kalibr” cruise missiles, and one “Iskander-M” ballistic missile. The main directions of the attack were Lviv, Ternopil, and Kharkiv regions.
As of 10:00 AM, Ukraine’s air defense forces had shot down or suppressed 483 aerial targets, including 442 UAVs, 34 X-101 cruise missiles, and seven “Kalibr” missiles. However, some missiles and drones reached their targets, causing extensive destruction and human losses.
“Currently, impacts from 7 missiles and 34 strike UAVs have been recorded at 14 locations, with debris from downed targets falling at 6 locations,” the Air Force reported.
Consequences of the Strikes in the Regions
In Kharkiv, the attack damaged 16 multi-story buildings, 31 vehicles, a garage cooperative, an emergency medical service substation, a supermarket, two trolleybuses, as well as non-residential and administrative buildings and a school. According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleg Synegubov, 46 people were injured, including two girls aged 9 and 13.
In Ternopil, two nine-story buildings were severely damaged, one of which was affected from the third to the ninth floor. As noted by the head of the Ternopil Regional State Administration, Vyacheslav Negoda, the strike was targeted. Rescue and police forces from neighboring regions were called to the scene of the tragedy. By morning, 20 deaths and 64 injuries had been reported, including 14 children. Rescuers continue to evacuate people from blocked apartments and are clearing debris.
At the same time, the Ternopil Regional State Administration reported that the level of harmful substances in the air exceeded normal levels by six times. Residents of the city are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
As a result of the strike in Ivano-Frankivsk region, three people were injured, including two children. A fire was recorded at a critical infrastructure facility, which was promptly extinguished. In Lviv region, the attacks caused damage to an energy facility, a woodworking enterprise, and a warehouse.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called on the international community to strengthen sanctions against Russia. He emphasized the urgent need to enhance the air defense system, increase the combat capabilities of aviation, and produce drones to protect the population.
“Every brazen attack against ordinary life indicates that the pressure on Russia is insufficient. Effective sanctions and assistance to Ukraine can change this. The immediate need is for missiles for air defense, additional systems, increasing the capabilities of our combat aviation, and producing drones to protect lives. Russia must be held accountable for its actions, and we must focus on everything that strengthens us and allows us to shoot down Russian missiles, neutralize Russian drones, and stop assaults. Thank you to everyone in the world who helps,” Zelensky wrote.