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

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

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit objectives on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the Conflict

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways 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 a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”

Legal Crackdown Inside the Country

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.

This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

The Kremlin has stated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of espionage.

A spokesperson stated that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services working to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Kremlin effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the past two years.