Kyiv Strikes Moscow's Fuel Plant With UK-supplied 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. The attack was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.
Details of the Strike and Military Significance
The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the site. This marks another instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets inside Russian territory.
Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the primary suppliers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.
Political Discussions on the War Front
Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with envoys of ex-President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to end the war.
“It was a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “We explored some new ideas on how to move toward real peace closer, and it involves approaches, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”
Legal Crackdown Inside the Country
Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a 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 are said to be based on an online post Udaltsov shared in support of another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, following the verdict, reportedly announced to go on a hunger strike in defiance.
International Detainee Case
Russian authorities has stated it is in contact with French authorities concerning the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a three-year sentence in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of spying.
A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “it is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office stated he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his release as soon as possible.
Controversial Reopening in Mariupol
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while hundreds of 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, 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 rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.
The theatre is due to reopen by the end of the month with a show of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction largely anew over the past two years.
