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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of mass production for an innovative locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. The first three producers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and many others injured in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its international holdings following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced after conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement said.