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

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

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

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

An official said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

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 set to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets 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 almost from scratch over the past two years.