Ukraine Reels from Deadly Russian Strikes as Diplomatic Tensions Rise
Ternopil, Ukraine – A massive Russian drone and missile attack overnight has left at least 25 people dead, including three children, and over 73 injured in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior. The strikes, described by Russia’s Defense Ministry as targeting military-industrial and energy infrastructure, represent one of the bloodiest attacks in western Ukraine as the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The russian Defense Ministry stated that the attack utilized long-range precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and attack drones, aimed at facilities supporting Ukrainian military operations and drone capabilities. “The armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted a massive attack… against targets of the military-industrial and energy complex that ensured their operation, as well as depots of long-range drones,” the ministry announced via Telegram.
The attacks come amid reports of potential diplomatic efforts between the united States and Russia to find a resolution to the conflict. Politico reported that a senior White House official anticipates a framework for ending the conflict could be agreed upon by all parties within the month, perhaps “as early as this week,” based on a 28-point American plan. The official indicated the Trump administration believes Ukraine, facing pressure on the battlefield and amid domestic corruption concerns, will likely accept the proposal, stating, “What we will present to Ukraine is reasonable.” The official also reportedly dismissed the need for European input, saying, “We are not interested in the Europeans – The important thing is that Ukraine accepts.” Politico also suggested the timing of the renewed diplomatic push might potentially be linked to President Trump’s legal challenges related to the Epstein case.
Meanwhile, Poland has further severed ties with Russia by closing the last remaining Russian consulate within its borders.The move, announced today, reflects Warsaw’s strong support for Ukraine and its increasingly strained relationship with Moscow.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on reports of a secret US-Russia peace plan, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating, “There is nothing new to report.”