Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be 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 inside Russian territory.

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

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with envoys of former US 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: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a 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 Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of spying.

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

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff 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 occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.