Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

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

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding 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 administration 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 end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.