Russian Attacks Kill Dozens Across Ukraine as Zelenskyy Seeks Peace Talks in Turkiye

Overnight Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, resulted in at least 19 fatalities and dozens wounded, according to Al Jazeera. The widespread assaults targeted multiple regions, causing significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, as reported by Ukraine's emergency services.

The attacks unfolded as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was en route to Turkiye for crucial discussions aimed at reviving stalled peace negotiations. His visit underscores the ongoing human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions, as noted by Al Jazeera.

Cities in western Ukraine, including Ternopil and Lviv, were among those hit, with Ternopil suffering the highest number of casualties. The Kyiv independent reported at least 20 civilians dead and 115 injured across the country, highlighting the scale of the destruction.

President Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attacks, asserting that the current international pressure on Russia remains inadequate. He reiterated calls for increased air defense assistance from allies to counter the relentless barrages, according to a social media post cited by Al Jazeera.

Russia launched more than 470 drones and 48 missiles of various types during the overnight offensive, as confirmed by President Zelenskyy. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept many, but a substantial number still struck targets across 14 locations, The Kyiv independent reported.

The timing of these intensified attacks coincides with a renewed push for peace, with Zelenskyy scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Ukrainian leader aims to discuss pathways to a "just peace" and the restoration of prisoner-of-war exchanges, euractiv reported.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that no Russian representatives would participate in the Turkiye talks, signaling Moscow's reluctance for direct negotiations at this juncture. This stance complicates efforts to de-escalate the nearly four-year-old conflict, as noted by Yahoo News Singapore.

• Escalation Amidst Diplomatic Efforts: The latest wave of Russian attacks, which included over 470 drones and 48 missiles, struck numerous Ukrainian regions, including Ternopil, Lviv, and Kharkiv, on November 19, 2025. This significant escalation occurred precisely as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarked on a diplomatic mission to Turkiye, aiming to revive peace talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The juxtaposition of intensified military action and peace overtures highlights the complex and often contradictory dynamics of the ongoing conflict, as reported by Al Jazeera.

• Civilian Toll and Infrastructure Damage: The attacks inflicted a heavy toll on civilians, with at least 19 people killed and dozens wounded, according to Al Jazeera. The Kyiv Independent provided a higher figure, reporting at least 20 dead and 115 injured, including children. Residential buildings in Ternopil and Kharkiv were severely damaged, and energy infrastructure across at least seven oblasts was targeted, leading to emergency power outages, Euromaidan Press stated. This deliberate targeting of civilian areas and critical infrastructure is a recurring tactic, particularly as Ukraine approaches its fourth wartime winter.

• Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Agenda in Turkiye: President Zelenskyy's visit to Ankara, his third meeting with President Erdogan this year, was primarily focused on "reinvigorating negotiations" for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine. According to a senior Ukrainian official cited by AFP, a key objective was to encourage renewed U.S. engagement in the peace process. Discussions were also expected to cover the restoration of prisoner-of-war exchanges, a tangible outcome from previous Istanbul talks, as reported by euractiv.

• Secret U.S. Peace Initiatives: Beyond Zelenskyy's public diplomacy, Axios reported that the White House and Moscow have been secretly developing a 28-point peace plan to end the war. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev have reportedly been discussing this framework, which encompasses security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe, and future U.S.-Russia relations. Additionally, a high-level Pentagon delegation, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, visited Kyiv to engage with Ukrainian leaders on the stalled peace process, according to Yeni Safak English.

• Russia's Justification and Military Capabilities: Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed its "massive" overnight strikes were a response to alleged Ukrainian "terrorist attacks" on Russian territory, including the use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles on Voronezh. Ukraine's military had indeed confirmed using ATACMS missiles against military targets in Russia, calling it a "significant development". The sheer volume of munitions used by Russia—over 500 drones and missiles—demonstrates its continued capacity for large-scale aerial assaults, as noted by The Guardian.

• Humanitarian Crisis and Winter Preparedness: As Ukraine endures its fourth wartime winter, humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warn of severe challenges. Escalating attacks on energy and transport systems risk widespread blackouts and freezing temperatures, impacting millions already displaced and impoverished by the conflict. CARE, a humanitarian organization, highlighted that over 200 civilians are killed monthly, and many families lack basic necessities, emphasizing the urgent need for international aid and winterization efforts.

• International Reactions and Support: The international community continues to monitor the situation closely. Poland, a neighboring country, temporarily closed its Rzeszow and Lublin airports and scrambled military aircraft in response to the Russian attacks, according to Al Jazeera. The U.S. recently approved a $105 million sale to Ukraine for Patriot missile defense upgrades, and Spain pledged a military aid package worth €615 million, demonstrating ongoing Western support for Ukraine's defense capabilities, as reported by The Guardian.