Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the military 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 former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate 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 “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.