Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

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

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is engaged with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and push for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.