Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

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

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the last 24 months.