Kyiv Strikes Russian Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

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

Attack Particulars and Strategic Impact

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the location. This represents another instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main providers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation focused on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian 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.

International Detainee Case

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges 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 working to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is set to reopen. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

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