Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys 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: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel internal 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 Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations 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.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

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