Zelenskyy says fate of 22 remains unknown after Russian missile strike on Ternopil

The fate of 22 people remains unknown following a Russian missile attack on Ternopil, as rescuers continue to clear the rubble, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on his Telegram channel, emphasising the ongoing search and rescue efforts.

“Our rescuers worked throughout the night in Ternopil, and search and rescue operations are still ongoing. The whereabouts of 22 people are unknown—the search continues. More than 230 rescuers from nine regions of Ukraine have been involved. In some areas, work can only be done manually due to severe destruction and fragmented structures, which complicates the search. As of now, 26 people are confirmed dead, including three children,” Zelenskyy said.

The attack occurred on November 19, claiming 26 lives—including three children—and injuring 93 others, 18 of whom were children. Rescuers have successfully pulled 46 people from the debris.

Russian forces carried out the strike using X-101 cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS and Tu-160MS strategic bombers. Local authorities reported that the missiles hit 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, prompting the city to declare November 19–21 as days of mourning for the victims.

During the night of November 19, Russia launched a total of 48 missiles and 476 UAVs of various types across Ukraine, targeting multiple energy facilities and other critical infrastructure in different regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova