What's happened
Russian missile strikes in Ternopil killed at least 25 people, including children, and injured dozens. The attack targeted residential buildings, causing fires and hazardous chlorine levels. Ukraine plans to raise the incident at the UN, amid ongoing conflict and missile exchanges across Ukraine.
What's behind the headline?
The attack on Ternopil underscores Russia's ongoing strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to weaken Ukrainian morale and resilience. The use of cruise missiles containing components from multiple countries highlights the global supply chain's role in the conflict. Ukraine's response, including plans to bring the incident to the UN Security Council, indicates a move to internationalize the conflict and seek diplomatic pressure on Russia. The widespread missile and drone exchanges suggest a prolonged and escalating conflict, with both sides preparing for a potentially long winter of hostilities. The targeting of residential areas and the resulting casualties will likely increase international calls for accountability and possibly intensify diplomatic efforts, but the conflict's trajectory remains uncertain.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports the attack resulted in at least 25 deaths and nearly 100 injuries, with Russian forces using a Kh-101 cruise missile containing components from multiple countries. The Ukrainian government plans to raise the incident at the UN Security Council. The Moscow Times confirms the death toll and details the damage, emphasizing the ongoing missile exchanges and the broader context of Russia's military operations in Ukraine. Both sources highlight the severity of the attack and the international response, with Al Jazeera focusing on the geopolitical implications and The Moscow Times providing detailed casualty figures and damage assessment.
How we got here
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted since 2022, with Russia conducting regular missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities. Ternopil, a city in western Ukraine, has been targeted multiple times, with recent strikes causing significant casualties and damage. Ukraine continues to seek international support and diplomatic efforts to end the war.
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