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Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

The drones will be based on a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion

Russia intends to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average being about 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its international holdings 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 the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.