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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones will be based on a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” after six people were killed and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had launched domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its international holdings after recent sanctions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from both chambers of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement said.