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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have begun production, with an additional eleven preparing to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. This technology 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 producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six people were killed and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection After Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia plans to manufacture 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, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period crude shipments this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched domestically produced missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Restrictions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.