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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and wicked” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

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

Diplomatic Objection After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel injured, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

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

Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Sanctions Impact Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its international holdings after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.