Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a 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.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services working to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.