Kyiv Strikes Russian Oil Refinery With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This marks another instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces 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 representatives of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to end the war.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, of course, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a domestic 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 given 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 group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Case

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson 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 closely following the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt largely anew over the past two years.