Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces 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 main providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, 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. The conversation centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials 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 said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

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