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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after 12 AM this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of additional structures sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Russia plans to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.