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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. The first three producers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” after six people lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the nation was targeted by 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of additional structures sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection After Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.