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

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts observed at the location. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

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

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a 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 prison.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson said 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 working to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge 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 “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.