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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to reinforce its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started production, with an additional eleven preparing to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors each day.

Latest Attack on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the nation was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Objection Following Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.