🔗 Share this article

Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of mass production for an innovative locally engineered defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started production, with 11 more preparing to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Situations

The drones will be based on a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved successful “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set a target of producing up to 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on Kyiv Described as Deliberate

The Ukrainian president characterized Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, calculated and brutal” after six people lost their lives and dozens wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs quickly heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased had been at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the embassy damage. An explosion from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku stated. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Major Expansion

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official said, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military have been launching hundreds of aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage being approximately 170, according to official military statistics.

Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Moscow's Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city halted for a period oil exports on Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Oil Producer

Russia’s second-largest oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from the UK and the US and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced after conclusive negotiations are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Ukrainian President Plans Visit to Spanish Capital

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from both chambers of parliament during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.