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Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its air defences. The first three manufacturers have started manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. The system has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Attack on the Capital Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and brutal” after six people were killed and many others injured in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased had been inside their residences in an apartment building on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with last 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 Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces additionally targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings after recent sanctions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced after conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.