Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on possible ways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

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 supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

This case are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

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

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services working to provide consular support and push for his release 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 scheduled to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction largely anew over the past two years.