Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery 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. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways 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 bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

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