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

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This marks another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges 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 monitoring the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from local residents.

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 last 24 months.