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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have started production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased had been inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section 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 an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Strikes Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.