Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

As part of a notable military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. The attack was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

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

“We had a very productive conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has found guilty 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 a penal colony.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Situation

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to offer assistance and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

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

However, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

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