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

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official said that Russia has made an offer 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 government services working to offer assistance and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the past two years.