16 Missing as Ternopil Rescue Operation Enters Third Day After Russian Strike

Search and rescue operations in Ternopil entered their third day on Friday following a devastating Russian missile strike that severely damaged residential buildings in the city. The attack, part of a massive overnight offensive on November 19, saw Russia launch 48 missiles and over 470 drones targeting various locations across Ukraine. While several western regions faced bombardment, Ternopil sustained the worst of the damage, with two high-rise buildings hit hard by the assault. One building lost several of its upper floors almost entirely, reduced to rubble, while a nearby structure was consumed by a raging fire that spread rapidly through dozens of apartments from the lower levels up. Emergency crews have been meticulously combing through the wreckage, focusing on the collapsed sections of the fifth and sixth floors with both hands-on efforts and heavy machinery. By early Friday morning, about 638 tons of debris had been cleared, testimony to the scale and intensity of the destruction. The rescue operation now involves 181 personnel and 52 units of equipment, all working against the clock to locate survivors. So far, 46 people have been pulled from the rubble, including seven children. Unfortunately, the death toll from the strike has climbed to 28, with three of the deceased being children. Another 94 individuals were reported injured, among them 18 children. Despite the relentless efforts, contact has yet to be reestablished with 16 people who were believed to be inside the buildings at the time of the attack and remain unaccounted for. This tragic event underscores the ongoing dangers faced by civilians amid the broader conflict engulfing Ukraine. The State Emergency Service continues its painstaking search and rescue work, determined to reach those still trapped. Neighboring communities and families anxiously await news as responders battle both the physical challenges of the debris and the emotional weight of the unfolding disaster. This incident also highlights the extensive use of drone warfare alongside missile strikes in Russia’s strategy to target urban areas, particularly in western Ukraine, which had previously experienced relatively less direct assault. The massive scale of the attack, with hundreds of missiles and drones used simultaneously, demonstrates an escalation in tactics, leaving emergency services stretched thin and civilians vulnerable. Ukraine's resilience remains evident despite the tragic losses, with emergency crews persisting in their efforts amid difficult conditions. The Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s oldest English-language news outlet, continues to provide comprehensive coverage, serving as a vital source of information to an international audience deeply invested in the conflict’s developments.