Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks 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.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

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

Foreign Prisoner Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

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

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.