🔗 Share this article

Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for an innovative domestically developed defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. Three initial manufacturers have started manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Combat Conditions

These UAVs utilize a nationally created technology called “Octopus” engineered to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology underwent testing in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing as many as 1,000 defensive drones daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and wicked” after six individuals lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Alert systems activated in Kyiv just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

The president reported the nation was targeted by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on the capital's left bank during the strike. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Objection 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 Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the embassy’s perimeter wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.

Russian Aerial Bomb Manufacturing Experiences Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 aerial bombs daily, with the previous month's average daily usage standing at approximately 170, based on defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Oil Facilities

Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended crude shipments this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff stated its military had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “as part of efforts to reduce the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukraine separately struck a processing plant in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in the adjacent Engels region overnight.

Global Sanctions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced this past Friday it has been in talks with interested parties regarding its international holdings after last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal will be announced after conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations are secured,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Schedules Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies disclosed. Zelenskyy will convene with representatives from all houses of the legislature during his visit, the Spanish statement confirmed.