Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

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

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of 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 offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the past two years.