Rescue operations continue in Ternopil following deadly Russian strike

Rescue teams are continuing to clear the rubble of a residential building in Ternopil that was destroyed in a Russian strike, which killed 26 people.

As of the morning of November 20, the death toll remains unchanged, and search efforts are ongoing.

According to the State Emergency Service's message on Facebook, more than 230 rescuers and 50 pieces of equipment are deployed at the site. Rescuers have cleared over 700 square meters of rubble and removed 230 cubic meters of destroyed structures. The operation is complicated by the extensive fragmentation of the building, requiring manual work in several areas.

The attack occurred on November 19. Among the 26 people killed were three children, while another 93 people were injured, including 18 children. Rescuers have successfully pulled 46 people from the debris.

Russian forces struck Ternopil using X-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS and Tu-160MS strategic bombers. Local authorities reported that the missiles targeted high-rise residential buildings on Stusa Street and 15 Kvitka Street.

The strike in Ternopil is among the deadliest in terms of casualties since the start of the full-scale war. The city has declared November 19–21 as days of mourning for the victims.

In total, during the night of November 19, Russia launched 48 missiles and 476 UAVs of various types across Ukraine. Among the targets were numerous energy facilities in different regions of the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova