Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles.

As part of a notable escalation, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.

Attack Particulars and Military Significance

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

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility serves as one of the primary providers of fuel products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive discussions with envoys of former US President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on possible ways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: many details, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some new ideas on how to bring a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”

Legal Crackdown Within Russia

Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a Russian court has found guilty a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the opposition movement, was given to six years in prison.

The charges reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov published backing another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

A spokesperson stated 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 working to offer assistance and push for his release as soon as possible.

Controversial Reopening in Occupied City

The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is scheduled to open its doors again. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, former actors from the theatre have denounced the reopening as “dancing on bones.” The reconstruction is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

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