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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” following six people were killed and dozens injured in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.