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

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces have employed British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian soil.

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 supplying the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

In a related development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.

“We had a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Inside the Country

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

The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing 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 defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.

A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the past two years.