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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to establish assembly lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Tested in Combat Situations

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system known as “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Latest Attack on the Capital Characterized as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” following six people lost their lives and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. No one injured, and an official representative confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Russia plans to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage being about 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – representing two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said this past Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president will convene with deputies from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, an official announcement said.