Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the primary suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments 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 potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, 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 approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

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

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

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

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from local residents.

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