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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.