Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant With British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside 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 supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

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

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

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

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin 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.

The theatre 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 past two years.