Drone attack sparks fire in Ternopil, residents urged to stay Indoors

Source: Ternopil regional military administration

In the early hours of August 20, a Russian drone attack targeted Ukraine’s Ternopil region, causing a fire.

Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, keep windows shut, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. The alarm was raised at 1:32 AM, with the all-clear given at 2:59 AM.

Officials urged residents not to share images or unverified information on social media as further details about the incident are expected during a briefing at 9:00 am.

UPDATE

According to deputy governor Victor Ustenko, the Russian drone hit a fuel storage tank, sparking a massive blaze that lit up the night sky.

No injuries were reported but emergency workers were still working at the scene to contain the flames.

Over 20 units of equipment, two firefighting trains, and nearly a hundred firefighters were involved in the operation. Specialists are now collecting water and air samples to check for any dangerous levels of harmful substances released by the fire.

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In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.

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