Russian Missile Strike on Ternopil Kills 34, Including Children, Devastating Families

Ternopil, Ukraine – A Russian cruise missile strike on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil on November 19, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 34 people, among them six children, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attack, which targeted residential areas, has been described as one of the deadliest civilian strikes in the region since the full-scale invasion began. The profound human cost of the aggression was starkly highlighted by the tragedy of one family.

Among the victims were 1.5-year-old Nazar, his 6-year-old sister Kamila, and their mother Maria, who were all killed in the devastating attack. Social media reports, such as one from Visegrád 24, captured the heartbreaking scene of their father rocking his young son Nazar at his funeral. The father reportedly stood for three days in front of his destroyed home, hoping for a miracle.

The strike, confirmed by the Ukrainian Air Force to involve Kh-101 cruise missiles, severely damaged two nine-story apartment buildings. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko described the destruction, noting that one building was destroyed between the third and ninth floors. Rescue operations continued for days, with emergency services working tirelessly to recover victims and search for the missing amidst the rubble.

Ukrainian officials have classified the attack as a war crime, opening a criminal case under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The incident underscores Russia's continued targeting of civilian infrastructure, despite Moscow's claims of striking military and energy facilities. The Ternopil Oblast Military Administration urged residents to stay indoors due to elevated toxic substance levels in the air following the explosions.

The attack on Ternopil, a city previously considered relatively safe, serves as a grim reminder of the widespread impact of the conflict on Ukrainian civilians. Over 90 people were injured in the strike, many of them children, further illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the assault. The international community continues to monitor and condemn such acts of aggression.