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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. Three initial producers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

The drones will be based on a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement confirmed.