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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. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven getting ready to establish production lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six individuals lost their lives and many others injured in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter 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 continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average being approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

International Sanctions Impact Russian Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after last month’s sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.