Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

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

This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push 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 open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.