Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil processing facility. This strike was carried out Thursday, according to the Ukrainian military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Military Significance

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has deployed these powerful British-supplied missiles against objectives inside Russian soil.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the main suppliers of fuel products in southern Russia and is actively engaged in providing for the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Political Discussions on the War Front

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The conversation centered on possible ways to end the war.

“It was a really good conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country

In a parallel 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, head of the opposition movement, was sentenced to six years in a penal colony.

This case are said to be based on an article Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists accused of forming a terrorist group. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in protest.

International Detainee Case

The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French officials regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a three-year sentence in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of espionage.

An official said that Russia has made an offer to France in the case of 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 advocate for his liberation at the earliest opportunity.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Occupied City

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its cellar, is set to open its doors again. Authorities in control have heralded the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.

However, previous staff from the theatre have called the reopening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Moscow effort to showcase its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the arrest or exile of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from Ukrainian citizens.

It is due to reopen by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.