Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to reopen. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

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