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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Calculated

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” following six people were killed and many others injured in a wave of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in Kyiv just after 12 AM this past Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs daily, with last month’s daily average standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports on Friday – representing 2% of global supply – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

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

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets following recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.