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

In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the location. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

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

The charges are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson said 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 state resources working to provide consular support and advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from local residents.

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