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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

The drones utilize a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the nation was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed had been inside their residences in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan said it delivered a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one injured, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Sees Major Expansion

Russia intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Restrictions Impact Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed after the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement said.