Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel 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 announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

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

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

International Detainee Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding 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 release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, 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 that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.