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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have started production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six people were killed and many others wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. No one injured, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average being about 170, based on official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately struck an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.