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Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have started production, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Situations

The drones will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed had been at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on 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 stated. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial 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 have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

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

International Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.