The death toll of the Russian attack on Ternopil has risen to 32

On November 19, 2025, Russian cruise missiles and drones struck two residential high-rise buildings in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, near the Lviv region, in one of the deadliest attacks on civilian infrastructure in the area since the full-scale invasion began. The assault, which also targeted energy facilities in Lviv and surrounding oblasts, caused catastrophic damage, with upper floors collapsing and fires engulfing the structures. Rescue efforts, involving over 230 personnel, have been ongoing for days amid rubble and structural hazards, but the death toll has risen to 31, including six children—one a seven-year-old Polish girl—and with 94 injured, 16 people are still missing.

A seven-year-old Polish girl, Amelia, was among those killed in the Russian missile strike on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil on Nov. 19, Poland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed. She died alongside her mother during the attack, which has so far claimed at least 32 lives.

“Amelka was seven years old. Seven. A Polish child,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on November 21. “She died in Ternopil during a brutal Russian missile attack. She will no longer fulfill any of her dreams. This cruel war must end, and Russia cannot win it. Because this is also a war about the future of our children.”

Eight civilians were injured or killed in Kherson and Donetsk oblasts due to the Russian strikes

Seven civilians were injured and one was killed in Russian attacks on Kherson and Donetsk oblasts on 21 November, according to regional military administrations.

In Kherson Oblast, strikes hit critical infrastructure, residential areas, and social facilities, damaging three apartment buildings and 14 houses. Six people were injured.

In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed in the village of Holubivka, and another was injured in the town of Kostiantynivka.

'One of the most difficult moments' — Zelensky on the controversial US peace plan

President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians on November 21 amid rising concern over a new U.S. peace proposal that Kyiv officials say reflects many of Russia’s long-standing demands.

Zelensky acknowledged the growing diplomatic pressure, calling the current moment “one of the most difficult” for Ukraine. Without naming the U.S. plan directly, he described the situation as “complicated” and said Ukraine risked damaging key strategic relationships. He stressed that Kyiv’s position would rely on national interests and dialogue with allies.

“Ukraine’s national interest must be taken into account. We will pursue a calm dialogue with America and all of our partners,” Zelensky said, adding that there would be a “constructive search for solutions with our main partner.”

The president also urged domestic unity, calling on lawmakers and officials to end political infighting: “We need to pull ourselves together… The parliament of a country at war must work in unity. The government must work effectively.”

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump approved a 28-point peace framework that Ukrainian officials say includes territorial concessions, limits on Ukraine’s military, and restrictions on alliances. Zelensky’s office confirmed receiving the draft.

Putin later said the plan could “form the basis of a final peace settlement,” claiming he had discussed a version of it with Trump during their August meeting in Alaska.

Speaking on Fox News Radio, Trump said he hoped Ukraine would sign the deal by Thanksgiving on November 27, calling the deadline “an appropriate time.”

Zelensky said he also spoke with U.S. Vice President Vance and U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll about the proposal. “We agreed that we will work together with America and Europe… to make the path to peace truly workable,” he said.

“Ukraine may soon face an extremely difficult choice. Either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner… either 28 complicated points or the hardest winter yet,” the president warned.

Separately, a senior U.S. official contradicted an earlier claim by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who said he had not approved or altered any clauses in the plan.

A draft of the U.S. proposal had reportedly included an audit of all international aid to Ukraine, but the wording was later changed to offer “full amnesty for actions during the war” to all parties involved.