The death toll from Russia’s relentless overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine has climbed to 18, including two children and a rescue worker. Ukrainian officials reported that the sprawling assault involved 656 drones and 73 missiles, with air defenses successfully intercepting the vast majority of the incoming threats. However, military spokespersons highlighted the alarming use of eight advanced Zircon hypersonic missiles, marking the highest number deployed in a single simultaneous attack to date. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense characterized the widespread bombardment as retaliation for recent Ukrainian actions, asserting that their forces precisely struck key defense, fuel, and transport infrastructure.