Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson stated 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 state resources mobilised to provide consular support and push for his release as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It 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 past two years.