Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Oil Refinery Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions 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 really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal 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 opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official said 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 state resources mobilised to offer assistance and push for his release at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the reconstruction as a symbol of recovery.

Conversely, former actors from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a Russian fairytale, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.