🔗 Share this article

Ukraine has announced the start of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed interceptor drone to strengthen its aerial protection systems. Three initial manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Conditions

The drones utilize a domestically developed technology known as “Octopus” engineered to intercept Shahed drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of manufacturing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Calculated

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and wicked” after six individuals were killed and many others injured in a series of nocturnal attacks across Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital shortly after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy reported the nation was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and multiple missiles. The deceased had been at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Numerous of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Embassy Damage

Azerbaijan said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, including 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that can reach additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with the previous month's daily average standing at about 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Strikes Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – representing 2% of worldwide oil production – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to diminish the strategic capabilities of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately targeted a processing plant in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels during the night.

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers concerning its foreign assets following last month’s sanctions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal are to be disclosed after conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil stated.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials disclosed. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from all houses of parliament throughout his stay, the Spanish statement confirmed.