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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and many others injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

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

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one injured, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its international holdings after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.