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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in combat and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased had been at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

International Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its international holdings after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

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