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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven preparing to establish production lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital shortly after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Objection Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku stated. No one was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.