Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.
As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces have employed British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a key Russian oil refinery. 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 said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the location. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these advanced British-supplied missiles to hit targets inside Russian soil.
Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
Political Discussions on the Conflict
Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” discussions with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways to end the war.
“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the schedule.”
Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country
In a parallel domestic matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.
The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published in support of another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in protest.
Foreign Prisoner Situation
Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.
A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and push for his release as soon as possible.
Controversial Reopening in Mariupol
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Russian occupation authorities have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.
Conversely, former actors from the theatre have called the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its administration in seized territories, a process that includes the arrest or exile of critics and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.
It is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.
