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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 producers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” following six people were killed and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv just after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest After Diplomatic Compound Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.