Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range 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 authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with representatives of former US 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 really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and opponent 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 are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

An official stated 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 monitoring the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction largely anew over the past two years.