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

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys of former US 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: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

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

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal 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 advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

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

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.