Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces have employed British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil processing facility. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the location. This marks another instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks 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 messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

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 justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.