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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to reinforce its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six people lost their lives and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after recent sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement said.