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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. Three initial producers have started production, with 11 more preparing to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six people lost their lives and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon 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 at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Objection Following Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.