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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. The deceased had been at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

International Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after recent sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.