🔗 Share this article Ukrainian Forces Begins Large-Scale Manufacturing of New Defensive Drones Ukrainian authorities have declared the start of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have begun production, with 11 more preparing to establish production lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday. Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Battlefield Conditions These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize 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 has set an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily. Recent Attack on the Capital Characterized as Calculated The Ukrainian president described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” after six people were killed and many others injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences. Zelenskyy reported the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased were inside their residences in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy. Diplomatic Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Damage Azerbaijan announced it issued a formal objection to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in serious damage to the embassy grounds, officials from Baku reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate. Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, including 500 of a new, extended-range model that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with last month’s daily average being approximately 170, based on official military statistics. Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities Moscow's maritime terminal of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of worldwide oil production – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.” Ukraine separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight. Global Restrictions Impact Moscow's Oil Producer Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” the company commented. Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. The Ukrainian president would meet representatives from both chambers of parliament during his visit, an official announcement said.