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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. Three initial producers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Situations

The drones will be based on a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Attack on the Capital Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” after six people lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital just after 12 AM this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed had been at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally struck an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

International Restrictions Impact Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

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