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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at about 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

International Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.