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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for an innovative locally engineered interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing up to 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and brutal” following six individuals were killed and dozens wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs 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, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow plans to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, 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 approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

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

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.