🔗 Share this article

Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and proved successful “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on the Capital Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” following six people were killed and many others injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Alert systems sounded in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection After Embassy Damage

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Kyiv's Strikes Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to reduce the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine additionally targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels overnight.

International Sanctions Affect Moscow's Energy Company

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets after recent sanctions from Western nations and failure of a deal with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement said.