Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian 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 another instance where Ukraine has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

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

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a domestic 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.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is engaged with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer 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 provide consular support and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is expected to open by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the past two years.