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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Situations

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv just after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Impact Russian Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its international holdings following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.