Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, as stated by the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a really good conversation: many details, good ideas, 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, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Inside the Country

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

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared 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 begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French officials regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and push for his release as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the past two years.