🔗 Share this article

Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to enhance its aerial protection systems. The first three producers have started production, with 11 more preparing to establish assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

These UAVs will be based on a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” designed to neutralize Shahed drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and 18 missiles. The deceased had been at home 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 Objection After Embassy Destruction

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Sees Major Expansion

Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk halted for a period crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its international holdings following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to travel to the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.