Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have started production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.
Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Conditions
These UAVs will be based on a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and proved effective “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.
Recent Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate
The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six individuals were killed and many others injured in a series of night-time strikes throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.
Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.
International Protest After Embassy Destruction
The Azerbaijani government announced it delivered a formal objection to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry reported. No one was hurt, and an official representative said the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.
Russian Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase
Russia plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial 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. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 aerial bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, according to official military statistics.
Kyiv's Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities
Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to two percent of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had fired domestically produced 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 invading force.”
Ukraine additionally targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.
Global Restrictions Impact Russian Energy Company
Russia’s second-largest energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its international holdings following recent sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement 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 commented.
Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spain
The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his trip to France, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.
