Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, 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 country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“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 real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

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, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

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

An official said 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 monitoring the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.