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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to establish production lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Attack on the Capital Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku stated. No one injured, and an official representative confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Moscow plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average being about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports on 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 multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately struck a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its international holdings following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced after the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.