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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have started production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Assault on the Capital Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past 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 diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Moscow intends to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.