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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors each day.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” following six people lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Impact Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its international holdings following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.