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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of mass production for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. The first three producers have begun production, with 11 more preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.