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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and demonstrated effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” following six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

International Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement said.