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Ukraine has announced the commencement of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have started manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

Zelenskyy stated the nation 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 additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued 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 a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after 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 assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Sanctions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its international holdings following last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from all houses of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.