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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three producers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in combat and proved successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement said.