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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have begun production, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection After Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial 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 have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average being about 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

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