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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three producers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Situations

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six people lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Russia intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with last month’s daily average being approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately struck an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its international holdings following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit 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. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.