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 target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had 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 move toward real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case 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, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” 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 release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from local residents.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.