Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Oil Refinery With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the Conflict

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

“It was a really good conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

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 Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov published backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson stated 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 stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and push for his release as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.