Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, 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 bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists charged with 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 has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.