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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial producers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Russia plans to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments this past Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

International Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its international holdings after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement said.