🔗 Share this article Ukrainian Forces Initiates Large-Scale Manufacturing of Novel Defensive Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday. Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions The drones utilize a nationally created system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily. Latest Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units. The president reported the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy. Diplomatic Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction Azerbaijan announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations. Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics. Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.” Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night. International Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings following recent sanctions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented. Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from all houses of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement said.