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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its international holdings after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.