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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Situations

The drones utilize a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one injured, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally struck a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its international holdings after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement said.