Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

Russian authorities indicated it is engaged with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is expected to open by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.