Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts observed at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

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

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it 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 liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed 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 reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.