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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan said it delivered a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding 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 are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement confirmed.