Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery 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 major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This represents another instance where Ukraine has utilized these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the primary suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has found guilty 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 a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an online post 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, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

An official said that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have heralded the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from local residents.

It is expected to open by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.