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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Conditions

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Assault on the Capital Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the nation was hit by 430 drones 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 were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of glide bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.