Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments 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 possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

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

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of spying.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.