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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have begun production, with an additional eleven preparing to establish production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones will be based on a nationally created system known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved successful “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce as many as 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 more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

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

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings following last month’s restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement said.