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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and proved successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six people lost their lives and many others injured in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one injured, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Russian Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

International Sanctions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.