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

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

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

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

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

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

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

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and push for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

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