🔗 Share this article

Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for a new locally engineered defensive UAV to enhance its air defences. The first three producers have started production, with an additional eleven getting ready to set up production lines, Ukrainian military officials announced this past Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Proven in Combat Situations

The drones utilize a nationally created system known as “Octopus” engineered to neutralize Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated successful “at night, amid electronic warfare and at low altitudes,” officials stated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of manufacturing up to 1,000 defensive drones each day.

Recent Attack on Kyiv Characterized as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault on Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and wicked” following six individuals were killed and dozens injured in a wave of nocturnal attacks throughout Kyiv. Air raid sirens activated in the capital shortly after 12 AM this past Friday, with Shahed drones quickly detected overhead and heavy machine-gun fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president reported the nation was hit by 430 drones and multiple missiles. The deceased were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank during the strike. Numerous of additional structures were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.

International Objection After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it delivered a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative this past Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. An explosion from a Moscow's missile destroyed part of the embassy’s perimeter wall and caused serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. No one injured, and a ministry spokesperson confirmed the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Moscow's Aerial Bomb Production Sees Significant Increase

Moscow intends to manufacture as many as 120,000 guided aerial bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs per day, with last month’s average daily usage being approximately 170, according to defence ministry data.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Oil Facilities

Moscow's maritime terminal of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to 2% of global supply – after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had fired Neptune cruise missiles and deployed multiple kinds of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

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

Global Restrictions Affect Russian Oil Producer

The number two oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets following recent restrictions from the UK and the US and failure of a deal with commodity trader Gunvor. “The specific deal are to be disclosed after the final agreements are completed and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated.

Zelenskyy Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spain

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday to confer with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from both chambers of parliament throughout his stay, an official announcement said.