Russia–Ukraine This Week: Deadly Strikes, New Missiles and a Controversial Peace Plan

The war in Ukraine entered another tense week of escalation on the battlefield and sharp debate in diplomacy.

Russian forces launched one of the deadliest recent attacks on a western Ukrainian city, while Kyiv struck deeper into Russia using US-made missiles.

Meanwhile, a reported US-Russia peace proposal drew strong criticism from Ukraine and European leaders, who say it rewards aggression.

Russian strikes on Ternopil kill civilians in western Ukraine

A massive Russian drone and missile barrage hit the western city of Ternopil on Wednesday, killing at least 25 people and injuring more than 70.

Two residential buildings were destroyed and several victims, including children, died in fires triggered by the blasts. 

Ukraine’s air force said it faced more than 470 drones and dozens of missiles in the wider attack, most of which were intercepted.

However, the hits on Ternopil showed that cities far from the front lines remain vulnerable.

The strike came as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Turkey to meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and press for stronger diplomatic and security support.

Poland and Romania also scrambled jets after drones approached NATO airspace, underlining the wider regional risk. 

ATACMS strikes: Ukraine hits targets inside Russia

Ukraine confirmed for the first time that it used US-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles to hit military targets inside Russia on 18 November.

The strikes reportedly targeted sites near the city of Voronezh and marked a significant expansion of Kyiv’s long-range capabilities. 

Washington had previously restricted these missiles to use only within Ukrainian territory, but that limit was lifted late last year.

Kyiv argues that hitting airfields and logistics hubs across the border is necessary to reduce attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Russia claims it intercepted all four ATACMS missiles and destroyed two Ukrainian launch vehicles, though these details remain unverified. 

The Kremlin warns that deeper strikes with Western weapons may be treated as evidence of direct Western involvement in the war.

Peace plan debate: US-Russia proposal sparks backlash

At the political level, a reported 28-point US-drafted peace proposal, developed with Russian input, has drawn fierce criticism in Kyiv and Europe.

According to multiple media outlets, the plan would require Ukraine to cede occupied territory in Donbas and Crimea, slash its army, and give up long-range weapons. 

Ukrainian officials say accepting such terms would amount to “capitulation” and leave the country exposed to future Russian attacks.

EU leaders also insist Ukraine must be fully involved in any negotiations and reject pressure to accept a deal that entrenches occupation. 

The Trump administration argues that a compromise is needed to stop the bloodshed and stabilise Europe.

However, critics warn that forcing Kyiv to surrender territory could undermine international law and encourage further land grabs elsewhere.

Front lines and Russian measures at home

On the battlefield, Russian forces continue offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, especially toward the key hub of Pokrovsk.

Military analysts say Moscow is trying to encircle several towns but is struggling to achieve a decisive breakthrough, with advances slowing in recent days. 

Inside Russia, lawmakers passed new security measures to counter Ukrainian drone attacks and sabotage.

The laws allow up to two million reservists to guard critical infrastructure and sharply increase penalties for sabotage, including life sentences and lower age limits for prosecution. 

Authorities have also introduced electronic controls, such as temporary mobile-network shutdowns for travellers returning to Russia, aiming to disrupt drone operations.

These steps signal that Moscow is preparing for a long war and tighter domestic control. 

Western support: Europe weighs long-term costs

With direct US military aid largely halted, European governments are under pressure to fill the gap.

EU states have already committed tens of billions of euros in military and financial support and are now debating how to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. 

This week, Washington still approved a $105 million package to maintain and upgrade Ukraine’s Patriot air defence systems, ensuring they can keep intercepting missiles. 

Italy also detailed new commercial arms sales to Kyiv, adding to wider European efforts to supply ammunition and equipment. 

As a result, Ukraine’s future on the battlefield now depends not only on its own resilience, but also on whether Western capitals sustain or expand this support while a controversial peace plan hangs over the war.

Image: AFP

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