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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven preparing to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs utilize a nationally created system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.