Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

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

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a 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.

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 rejected the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer 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 state resources mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the last 24 months.