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

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a very productive 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 formats, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted 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 article Udaltsov shared backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of spying.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.