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

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces have employed long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military command.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian soil.

Military spokespersons noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

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

“We had a really good conversation: many details, 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.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.

International Detainee Situation

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

A spokesperson said 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 closely following the situation, with all state resources mobilised to provide consular support and push for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

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 administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the last 24 months.