Kyiv Strikes Russian Fuel Plant With UK-supplied Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles.
In a significant military action, Kyiv's forces reportedly used long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil processing facility. This strike was carried out Thursday, as stated by the country's military authorities.
Attack Particulars and Military Significance
The targeted facility, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with multiple blasts recorded at the site. This marks not the first instance where Ukrainian forces has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles against targets on Russian territory.
Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk plant acts as one of the main suppliers of petrol products in southern Russia and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.
Political Discussions on the Conflict
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that he held “very good” talks with representatives of ex-President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks centered on potential pathways to end the war.
“We had a very productive conversation: numerous specifics, good ideas, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to bring real peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, of course, the timeline.”
Legal Crackdown Within Russia
Meanwhile, in a internal matter, a Russian court has convicted a pro-war activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of justifying terrorism. Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.
This case reportedly stem from an article Udaltsov published backing another group of activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has rejected the allegations as politically motivated and, following the verdict, stated his intention to begin a hunger strike in defiance.
Foreign Prisoner Situation
The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French authorities regarding the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.
A spokesperson said that Russia has made an offer to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to offer assistance and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.
Controversial Reopening in Occupied City
The Mariupol Drama Theatre, which was destroyed in a devastating bombardment while many civilians sought refuge in its basement, is set to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.
However, former actors from the theatre have called the reopening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a wider Kremlin effort to showcase its administration in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of critics and property seizures from Ukrainian citizens.
The theatre is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a Russian fairytale, following its reconstruction largely anew over the last 24 months.
