Tim Mak
@timkmak.bsky.social
Founder, The Counteroffensive: Compelling human stories to illustrate news of the war in Ukraine. Fmr US Army medic.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
Thank you for helping us stay powered and connected. Every bit of support like this makes a real difference to our work!!
February 9, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Thank you for helping us stay powered and connected. Every bit of support like this makes a real difference to our work!!
Thank you for your support, Lisa!
February 9, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Thank you for your support, Lisa!
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. It means a lot to our team to hear your admiration and care.
February 9, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. It means a lot to our team to hear your admiration and care.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s true that the challenges have been immense,but messages like yours remind our team that the work we do is seen and appreciated.
February 9, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Thank you so much for your kind words. It’s true that the challenges have been immense,but messages like yours remind our team that the work we do is seen and appreciated.
It’s true. The reality here is difficult to fully convey, and it touches us deeply that it resonates with you.
February 9, 2026 at 8:43 PM
It’s true. The reality here is difficult to fully convey, and it touches us deeply that it resonates with you.
Thank you, Lynn! Your support and kind words mean so much to all of us. Our team is very much looking forward to the promise and warmth that spring brings.
February 9, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Thank you, Lynn! Your support and kind words mean so much to all of us. Our team is very much looking forward to the promise and warmth that spring brings.
You don’t need to be in Ukraine to make an impact.
You just need to stay informed — and speak up.
Join us through the link!
You just need to stay informed — and speak up.
Join us through the link!
The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak | Substack
A war correspondent's open notebook, reporting live from Kyiv. Human stories that illustrate what’s happening during the war in Ukraine, and elsewhere on the frontlines for democracy. Issues 3x a week...
www.counteroffensive.news
February 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
You don’t need to be in Ukraine to make an impact.
You just need to stay informed — and speak up.
Join us through the link!
You just need to stay informed — and speak up.
Join us through the link!
DARK KYIV:
Instead of the usual Dog of War, today we are publishing a photo of Kyiv in the dark. This is how Mariana’s neighborhood looks now.
Instead of the usual Dog of War, today we are publishing a photo of Kyiv in the dark. This is how Mariana’s neighborhood looks now.
February 9, 2026 at 2:57 PM
DARK KYIV:
Instead of the usual Dog of War, today we are publishing a photo of Kyiv in the dark. This is how Mariana’s neighborhood looks now.
Instead of the usual Dog of War, today we are publishing a photo of Kyiv in the dark. This is how Mariana’s neighborhood looks now.
Missed our story about how the conditions of Russian captivity continue to shape Oleksil's life long after his release?
Read it via the link.
Read it via the link.
Why cold, darkness worsen PTSD among ex-POWs
We explore the tragic, unusual link between cold and post traumatic stress. Amid blackouts, former POWs face a surge in flashbacks. Oleksii is waking up from nightmares for the first time in years.
www.counteroffensive.news
February 9, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Missed our story about how the conditions of Russian captivity continue to shape Oleksil's life long after his release?
Read it via the link.
Read it via the link.
To see what our reporters say they'll do with their week, read this story via the link!
We’re approaching our breaking point
Due to harrowing conditions, The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week’s break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
www.counteroffensive.news
February 9, 2026 at 2:38 PM
To see what our reporters say they'll do with their week, read this story via the link!
We are sincerely grateful to our readers for their constant support, which allows us to continue working even in such circumstances.
February 9, 2026 at 2:37 PM
We are sincerely grateful to our readers for their constant support, which allows us to continue working even in such circumstances.
With your permission, the Ukraine-based team at The Counteroffensive will take a break this week. I am hard at working trying to commission stories from outside the country that we'll run instead. And if there's breaking news, we'll jump into action.
February 9, 2026 at 2:29 PM
With your permission, the Ukraine-based team at The Counteroffensive will take a break this week. I am hard at working trying to commission stories from outside the country that we'll run instead. And if there's breaking news, we'll jump into action.
The year started off on an especially brutal note, with Russian attacks battering cities almost every night. The cold takes a particular toll on the body, increasing stress and exhaustion - and that's even without considering the heating problems.
February 9, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The year started off on an especially brutal note, with Russian attacks battering cities almost every night. The cold takes a particular toll on the body, increasing stress and exhaustion - and that's even without considering the heating problems.
It's hard to admit, but we're exhausted, like so many other Ukrainians.
February 9, 2026 at 2:15 PM
It's hard to admit, but we're exhausted, like so many other Ukrainians.
Good morning readers, Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week's break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
In this piece, we share our team's plans for recovery over the next week.
The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week's break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
In this piece, we share our team's plans for recovery over the next week.
We’re approaching our breaking point
Due to harrowing conditions, The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week’s break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
www.counteroffensive.news
February 9, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Good morning readers, Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week's break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
In this piece, we share our team's plans for recovery over the next week.
The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week's break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
In this piece, we share our team's plans for recovery over the next week.
Bro this is my turf what the heck
February 8, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Bro this is my turf what the heck
See past just the statistics – hear the voice of Ukraine.
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link
The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak | Substack
A war correspondent's open notebook, reporting live from Kyiv. Human stories that illustrate what’s happening during the war in Ukraine, and elsewhere on the frontlines for democracy. Issues 3x a week...
www.counteroffensive.news
February 5, 2026 at 2:23 PM
See past just the statistics – hear the voice of Ukraine.
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link
Here's what Oleksandra is listening to today:
Jamala- Шлях Додому
Jamala- Шлях Додому
Jamala - Шлях Додому (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Jamala | Джамала
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Here's what Oleksandra is listening to today:
Jamala- Шлях Додому
Jamala- Шлях Додому
Want to find out how cold weather and darkness continue to retraumatise Oleksii after captivity? Read our latest story via the link
Why cold, darkness worsen PTSD among ex-POWs
We explore the tragic, unusual link between cold and post traumatic stress. Amid blackouts, former POWs face a surge in flashbacks. Oleksii is waking up from nightmares for the first time in years.
www.counteroffensive.news
February 5, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Want to find out how cold weather and darkness continue to retraumatise Oleksii after captivity? Read our latest story via the link
On February 4, the European Council agreed to give Ukraine a loan of €30 billion of macroeconomic support and €60 billion to invest in domestic and EU defense producers in 2026-2027.
As soon as the European Parliament approves it, the first payments will be made.
As soon as the European Parliament approves it, the first payments will be made.
Council agrees position on legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial support to Ukraine
As Russia’s war of aggression continues, the Council agreed its position regarding the legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial support to Ukraine. The Ukraine support loan will become repa...
www.consilium.europa.eu
February 5, 2026 at 2:18 PM
On February 4, the European Council agreed to give Ukraine a loan of €30 billion of macroeconomic support and €60 billion to invest in domestic and EU defense producers in 2026-2027.
As soon as the European Parliament approves it, the first payments will be made.
As soon as the European Parliament approves it, the first payments will be made.
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. delegations agreed to release 314 prisoners during peace talks, Steve Witkoff said.
This prisoner exchange will be the first in the last five months. Ukraine has frequently criticised Russia for rejecting prisoner exchanges.
This prisoner exchange will be the first in the last five months. Ukraine has frequently criticised Russia for rejecting prisoner exchanges.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on X: "Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months. This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate" / X
Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisoners—the first such exchange in five months. This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate
x.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. delegations agreed to release 314 prisoners during peace talks, Steve Witkoff said.
This prisoner exchange will be the first in the last five months. Ukraine has frequently criticised Russia for rejecting prisoner exchanges.
This prisoner exchange will be the first in the last five months. Ukraine has frequently criticised Russia for rejecting prisoner exchanges.
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukraine partly damaged Russia’s missile-launching site Kapustin Yar with domestically produced Flamingo missiles.
Russia used it to strike Ukraine with hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile.
Ukraine partly damaged Russia’s missile-launching site Kapustin Yar with domestically produced Flamingo missiles.
Russia used it to strike Ukraine with hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile.
Генеральний штаб ЗСУ / General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
ENG below⬇️
⚡️Уражено інфраструктуру полігону "Капустін Яр"
Протягом січня 2026 року Сили оборони України виконали серію успішних ударів по комплексу будівель ангарного типу, де відбувається...
www.facebook.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukraine partly damaged Russia’s missile-launching site Kapustin Yar with domestically produced Flamingo missiles.
Russia used it to strike Ukraine with hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile.
Ukraine partly damaged Russia’s missile-launching site Kapustin Yar with domestically produced Flamingo missiles.
Russia used it to strike Ukraine with hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile.
Captivated by this story?
Without your support, these stories can’t be told!
Engage with us through the link
Without your support, these stories can’t be told!
Engage with us through the link
The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak | Substack
A war correspondent's open notebook, reporting live from Kyiv. Human stories that illustrate what’s happening during the war in Ukraine, and elsewhere on the frontlines for democracy. Issues 3x a week...
www.counteroffensive.news
February 4, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Captivated by this story?
Without your support, these stories can’t be told!
Engage with us through the link
Without your support, these stories can’t be told!
Engage with us through the link
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Today’s Cat of Conflict is Oleksandra’s cat Compote (it’s also the name of a Ukrainian winter drink made from boiled fruit). Compote isn’t the biggest fan of his new sweater, but without it he gets really cold.
Today’s Cat of Conflict is Oleksandra’s cat Compote (it’s also the name of a Ukrainian winter drink made from boiled fruit). Compote isn’t the biggest fan of his new sweater, but without it he gets really cold.
February 4, 2026 at 2:39 PM
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Today’s Cat of Conflict is Oleksandra’s cat Compote (it’s also the name of a Ukrainian winter drink made from boiled fruit). Compote isn’t the biggest fan of his new sweater, but without it he gets really cold.
Today’s Cat of Conflict is Oleksandra’s cat Compote (it’s also the name of a Ukrainian winter drink made from boiled fruit). Compote isn’t the biggest fan of his new sweater, but without it he gets really cold.
To learn more about how homeless people in Ukraine live in the cold, read our story via the link
How Ukraine’s homeless are faring in freezing conditions
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s heating infrastructure have turned the -20°C winter into a harsh test of survival for homeless people. Ivan hasn’t had a home since he left Crimea in 2011.
www.counteroffensive.news
February 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM
To learn more about how homeless people in Ukraine live in the cold, read our story via the link