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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven getting ready to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Situations

The drones utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the country was targeted by 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. 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 injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

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

International Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.