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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and many others injured in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and 18 missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Moscow plans to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence 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 200 to 250 glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

International Restrictions Impact Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.