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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six individuals lost their lives and many others injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased had been inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of aerial bombs per day, 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 Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from all houses of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.