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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Assault on the Capital Characterized as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and dozens wounded in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.