Ukrainian Forces Hit Russian Fuel Plant With British Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.
In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a key Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.
Attack Particulars and Military Significance
The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with multiple blasts observed at the site. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian soil.
Ukrainian officials emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in Russia's south and is actively engaged in supplying the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
Political Discussions on the War Front
Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated 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 bring the conflict to a close.
“We had a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy wrote on a social media platform. “We explored some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it involves formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”
Judicial Proceedings Inside the Country
In a parallel internal matter, a Russian court has convicted a activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was sentenced to six years in prison.
The charges are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the charges as politically motivated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.
Foreign Prisoner Situation
Russian authorities indicated it is engaged with French officials concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French political scholar currently serving a prison term in Russia and allegedly facing additional accusations of spying.
A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is monitoring the situation, with all state resources working to provide consular support and advocate for his release as soon as possible.
Controversial Reopening in Mariupol
A theatre in Mariupol, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.
Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” The reconstruction is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in seized territories, a process accompanied by the arrest or exile of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.
It is expected to open by the month's end with a show of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.
