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

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

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

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, 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 involves approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

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

An official said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.