Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

In a related development, 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. These talks centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“It was a really good 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 Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

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

An official said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding 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 working to offer assistance and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities 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 broader Moscow effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It 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.