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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial producers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Situations

The drones will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved successful “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” following six people were killed and dozens wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings after recent sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.