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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. The first three producers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved successful “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia plans to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from both chambers of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement said.