🔗 Share this article

Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. Three initial producers have begun production, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials stated on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Battlefield Conditions

The drones will be based on a nationally created system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” officials confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Assault on the Capital Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “intentional, premeditated and brutal” after six people lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures were damaged, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

Diplomatic Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Damage

The Azerbaijani government announced it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile demolished a section of the compound's boundary wall and caused significant destruction to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku stated. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Russia plans to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of aerial bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at about 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Focus on Russian Energy Infrastructure

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period crude shipments this past 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 used multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties regarding its foreign assets following last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced after conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals are secured,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement said.