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

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for 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 “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer 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 state resources working to provide consular support and push for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the past two years.