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

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French officials regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to provide consular support and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

The theatre is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the past two years.