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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven getting ready to establish production lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Situations

These UAVs utilize a nationally created system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. This technology has been tested in combat and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry 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 Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Embassy Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with the previous month's average daily usage being about 170, based on defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – representing two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its international holdings following recent restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy would meet representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.