Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces have employed British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives inside Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the military 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 ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. 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 engaged with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of spying.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball 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 at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.