🔗 Share this article

Ukraine has announced the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new locally engineered interceptor drone to enhance its air defences. The first three manufacturers have begun manufacturing, with 11 more getting ready to set up assembly lines, the defence ministry stated on Friday.

'Octopus' Technology Proven in Battlefield Conditions

These UAVs utilize a domestically developed system called “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system underwent testing in actual battle and proved successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of producing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Calculated

The Ukrainian president described Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” following six individuals lost their lives and dozens wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv shortly after 12 AM on Friday, with enemy UAVs soon heard overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences.

Zelenskyy stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed were at home in a block of flats on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of other buildings sustained damage, among them the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Protest Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction

Azerbaijan announced it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Russian Iskander missile destroyed part of the compound's boundary 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 maintaining operations.

Moscow's Glide Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow plans to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a senior Ukrainian intelligence official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting additional urban centers. Moscow's military were firing hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Kyiv's Attacks Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended crude shipments on Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv stated its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of strike drones in the assault against Novorossiysk “within the framework of efforts to reduce the military and economic potential of the invading force.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and a fuel storage facility in the adjacent Engels region during the night.

International Restrictions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil announced on Friday it has been in talks with interested parties concerning its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and failure of an agreement with the Gunvor trading house. “The specific deal will be announced once the final agreements are completed and required authorizations have been obtained,” the company commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital

The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, Madrid, on Tuesday to meet with parliament members following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy would meet deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.