Kyiv Strikes Russian Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil processing facility. This strike was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the location. This marks another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered 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 new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the charges as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French officials regarding the case 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 presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.

The theatre is due to reopen by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the past two years.