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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. The first three manufacturers have started production, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing up to 1,000 interceptors each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from both chambers of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.