🔗 Share this article Ukraine Initiates Large-Scale Manufacturing of Novel Interceptor Drones Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to reinforce its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated this past Friday. 'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in combat and proved effective “during nighttime, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing up to 1,000 interceptors each day. Recent Attack on the Capital Described as Calculated Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” after six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a wave of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital just after midnight this past Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences. Zelenskyy reported the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased had been inside their residences in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan. Diplomatic Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction Azerbaijan said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile demolished a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one was hurt, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate. Moscow's Glide Bomb Manufacturing Sees Significant Increase Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with last month’s average daily usage standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data. Ukrainian Attacks Target Russian Energy Infrastructure Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of worldwide oil production – following a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.” Ukrainian forces additionally struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region overnight. Global Restrictions Impact Russian Energy Company The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after last month’s restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “Final arrangements are to be disclosed once the final agreements have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented. Ukrainian President Schedules Visit to Spain Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his trip to France, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement said.