Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack occurred on Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

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 opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is engaged with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt almost from scratch over the past two years.