Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives inside Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a pro-war 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.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin indicated 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 additional accusations of espionage.

An official said 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 monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

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

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

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