Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

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

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

Russian authorities indicated it is engaged with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

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

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to showcase its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the past two years.