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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” following six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan said it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Russia plans to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had fired domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

International Sanctions Affect Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after recent sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement said.