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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of mass production for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six people were killed and many others wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the nation was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection After Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan said it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – representing 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces additionally struck a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its international holdings following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement confirmed.