Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

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

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel internal matter, a court in Russia has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing new charges of espionage.

An official stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

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 open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.