Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. 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 activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

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

An official stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the last 24 months.