Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

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

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Case

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

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

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