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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” following six people lost their lives and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest After Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Moscow plans to manufacture as many as 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 glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at about 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally struck an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets after last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement confirmed.