Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian territory.

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

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

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

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

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 reopen. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.