Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using 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 processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

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

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main providers of fuel 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 announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives 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: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

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

This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities has stated it is engaged with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and push for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

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