Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv hits Russian oil refinery with British Storm Shadow missiles

Ukraine launched a missile strike using British Storm Shadow missiles, causing numerous explosions at a Russian oil refinery. This refinery is a major supplier of fuel for the Russian military, making it a strategic target. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported "very good" discussions with envoys from Donald Trump regarding potential peace efforts. They discussed new ideas for bringing peace closer, including formats, meetings, and timelines. A pro-war activist and Putin critic was convicted of justifying terrorism in Russia and sentenced to six years in prison. The activist has rejected the charges, calling the verdict "shameful," and initiated a hunger strike. The Kremlin is communicating with French authorities concerning a French political scholar imprisoned in Russia, facing potential new espionage charges. The Kremlin has proposed a solution to France regarding this case. The Mariupol Drama Theatre, destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike, is reopening under Russian occupation. Former actors condemn the reopening, calling it a desecration of the victims. Russia is using the reconstruction of Mariupol as a symbol of its control. The theatre will reopen with a performance of a Russian fairytale.