Kyiv Strikes Russian Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military command.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a court in Russia has found guilty 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 article Udaltsov published backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Case

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

An official said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

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