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

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

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

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

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 government services mobilised to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening 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 reopen. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

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