Ukrainian Forces Initiates Large-Scale Manufacturing of New Defensive Drones
Ukrainian authorities have declared the commencement of large-scale manufacturing for a new domestically developed defensive UAV to strengthen its aerial protection systems. The first three manufacturers have started production, with 11 more preparing to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced this past Friday.
Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Conditions
The drones will be based on a domestically developed system called “Octopus” designed to neutralize Iranian-made drones. The system has been tested in combat and proved effective “at night, under jamming and at low altitudes,” the ministry stated. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established an ambitious goal of producing as many as 1,000 defensive drones each day.
Latest Assault on Kyiv Described as Deliberate
Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine as “intentional, calculated and brutal” after six people lost their lives and many others wounded in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones quickly heard overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukrainian air defences.
Zelenskyy stated the nation was hit by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. The deceased were at home in a block of flats on the capital's left bank when it was hit. Dozens of other buildings were damaged, including the Azerbaijani embassy.
International Objection Following Diplomatic Compound Destruction
The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to Moscow's diplomatic representative on Friday after the embassy damage. The blast from a Moscow's missile destroyed a section of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in serious damage to the diplomatic compound, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. There were no personnel injured, and a ministry spokesperson said the Kyiv embassy was maintaining operations.
Russian Glide Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion
Russia plans to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in the current year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official said, among them 500 of a new, longer-range version that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of glide bombs per day, with last month’s daily average standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics.
Ukrainian Attacks Focus on Russian Oil Facilities
Russia’s maritime terminal of the port city halted for a period oil exports this past Friday – equivalent to two percent of global supply – following a strike by Ukrainian forces. Military commanders in Kyiv said its forces had fired domestically produced missiles and deployed various types of attack UAVs in the attack on Novorossiysk “within the framework of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”
Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov area and a fuel storage facility in nearby Engels overnight.
International Restrictions Affect Moscow's Oil Producer
The number two oil producer Lukoil said this past Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers regarding its international holdings following last month’s restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained,” the company stated.
Ukrainian President Schedules Diplomatic Trip to Spanish Capital
The Ukrainian leader will visit the city of Madrid, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to confer with lawmakers a day after his visit to Paris, the chamber of deputies announced. The Ukrainian president would meet deputies from all houses of the legislature throughout his stay, the Spanish statement said.