...Copy-pasting a freebie 17-August-2025 top news & updates from the “Meanwhile in Ukraine” patreon-page:
> www.patreon.com/meanwhileinukraine
> www.buymeacoffee.com/meaninuak
> www.ko-fi.com/meanwhileinua

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Ukraine’s Defense & Military Developments
>>> The General Staff confirmed Ukrainian troops advanced on the Pokrovsk front, pushing Russian forces back and securing new defensive lines.

>>> Ukrainian forces advanced 1 to 2.5 kilometers on the Sumy axis, liberating settlements and establishing fire control to block Russian logistics and reinforcements.

>>> Ukrainian units repelled a Russian mechanized assault near Kupyansk, destroying two tanks, three MT-LBs, and neutralizing around 40 troops through joint operations of multiple brigades.

>>> Soldiers of the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura” destroyed a Russian truck carrying a gun in the Slobozhanshchyna direction, disrupting enemy supply efforts.

>>> Ukrainian UAVs struck the LUKOIL-Volgograd oil refinery, causing major fires and visible damage to key production units. Satellite images showed burn marks near pipelines and storage tanks.

>>> A second fire erupted at the Volgograd refinery during repairs of earlier Ukrainian drone strike damage, highlighting continued vulnerability of Russian energy assets.

>>> Ukrainian drones hit the Unecha oil pumping station in Bryansk region, with satellite photos revealing extensive destruction of pipelines and facilities.

>>> UAVs also targeted a power substation in Rakytne, Belgorod region, damaging regional electricity supply and underscoring Ukraine’s deep-strike capabilities.

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Geopolitics & Economy
>>> Multiple reports suggest Trump may propose giving Russia access to rare earth minerals in Alaska or control over part of Donbas in exchange for ending the war, though Trump publicly insists territorial issues will not be discussed.

>>> The Wall Street Journal reported Trump plans to focus on securing a ceasefire and coordinating “red lines” with Europe during the Alaska summit.

>>> Bloomberg noted that Putin heads to Alaska convinced of his strong position due to recent battlefield gains.

>>> Sky News said allies are considering easing energy and financial sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire holds.

>>> Financial Times warned that Putin may try to trap Trump in negotiations by using military pressure on Ukraine as leverage.


Society & Policy in Ukraine
>>> Ukraine launched “Diia.Kartka,” a unified multi-account card for all state payments.

>>> Over 150 raids are being conducted in Ukraine in cases involving illegal smuggling of men abroad.

>>> The Prosecutor General announced 22 indictments against Kyiv officials accused of causing 230 million UAH in damages to the state.