Kyiv Strikes Russian Fuel Plant With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Inside the Country

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

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

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the last 24 months.