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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to enhance its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Situations

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people lost their lives and many others wounded in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Protest After Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage standing at about 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

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

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its international holdings after last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement confirmed.