Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

Russian authorities indicated it is engaged with French officials regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

An official said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.