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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for an innovative locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. The first three manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was targeted by 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had fired domestically produced missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Sanctions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its international holdings after recent sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced after conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement said.