In a significant escalation, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, as stated by the Ukrainian military authorities.
The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was reportedly hit, with "numerous explosions" recorded at the location. This represents not the first instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian soil.
Military spokespersons emphasized that the Novoshakhtinsk plant serves as one of the main providers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in supplying the military of the Russian Federation.
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 potential pathways to bring the conflict to a close.
“It was a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a social media platform. “There are some new ideas on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns approaches, meetings, and, of course, the timeline.”
Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a court in Russia has convicted a pro-war activist and opponent of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in prison.
This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of activists accused of forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, stated his intention to go on a hunger strike in defiance.
The Kremlin has stated it is engaged with French authorities regarding the fate of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing additional accusations of espionage.
A spokesperson said 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 closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and push for his liberation as soon as possible.
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was leveled in a devastating bombardment while many civilians were sheltering in its basement, is scheduled to reopen. Authorities in control have promoted the rebuilding as a symbol of recovery.
Conversely, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “a macabre spectacle.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process that includes the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from local residents.
It is due to reopen by the month's end with a performance of a classic Russian story, having been rebuilt largely anew over the last 24 months.
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