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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had fired domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.