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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to reinforce its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Moscow intends to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had fired domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally targeted 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 energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its international holdings after recent sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from all houses of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.