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Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Situations

The drones will be based on a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and flying low,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed had been at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, among them the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

International Protest After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing hundreds of glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments this past Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had launched Neptune cruise missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

International Sanctions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its international holdings following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of the legislature during his visit, an official announcement said.