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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six people were killed and many others injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Impact Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its international holdings after recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement said.