🔗 Share this article Ukrainian Forces Begins Mass Production of Novel Defensive Drones Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun production, with 11 more getting ready to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday. 'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Conditions The drones utilize a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Shahed drones. The system has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, under jamming and flying low,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing up to 1,000 interceptors each day. Recent Assault on the Capital Described as Deliberate The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals were killed and many others wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard 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 a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy. International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations. Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase Moscow intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, based on official military statistics. Ukrainian Strikes Focus on Moscow's Energy Infrastructure Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its military had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.” Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight. Global Restrictions Affect Russian Oil Producer Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated. Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.