Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Oil Refinery Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.
As part of a notable escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military command.
Details of the Strike and Military Significance
The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This represents another instance where Ukraine has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian soil.
Military spokespersons emphasized 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, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on possible ways to bring the conflict to a close.
“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves formats, meetings, and, certainly, the schedule.”
Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country
In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a 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.
The charges reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in protest.
International Detainee Situation
Russian authorities indicated it is in contact with French officials regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.
A spokesperson stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France in the case of Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.
Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while many civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.
Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its administration in seized territories, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.
It is expected to open by the end of the month with a show of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.