Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal 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 Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.

This case are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

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

A spokesperson stated 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 stated he is closely following the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and push for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

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

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures 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 largely anew over the last 24 months.