Tim Mak
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timkmak.bsky.social
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/
Pinned
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

Russian captivity was hell for Oleksii - painfully dark and cold.

For him, Ukraine's power cuts aren't just uncomfortable, they are worsening his PTSD and triggering flashbacks from the worst days of his life.
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
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.
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
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

Russian captivity was hell for Oleksii - painfully dark and cold.

For him, Ukraine's power cuts aren't just uncomfortable, they are worsening his PTSD and triggering flashbacks from the worst days of his life.
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 4, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Kyiv agreed to a plan if Russia breaks any future ceasefire agreement.

The EU’s Coalition of the Willing will respond with military action if the attack continues for 48 hours, and the U.S. will step in if it continues for 72.
Ukraine agrees multi-tier plan for enforcing any ceasefire with Russia
European forces would be dispatched and backed by US military in case of repeated Russian violations
www.ft.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Ukraine launched Starlink verification to prevent Russian usage.

Since 2024, Russians have used Starlink to fly drones and avoid electronic warfare.

The issue recently resurfaced when it was raised by Ukraine's new DefMin.
FEDOROV
Запускаємо верифікацію терміналів Starlink в Україні Уряд ухвалив постанову про впровадження «білого списку» для терміналів супутникового Starlink. Незабаром в Україні працюватимуть лише перевірені й...
t.me
February 2, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

During war, even the most resilient are not safe.

Ivan, from Crimea, is 37, can do 70 push-ups and dreams of work in Kyiv — but today he's homeless and freezing in a food line, as Russia turns winter into a weapon of war.
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 1, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

A top Iranian official met Putin in Russia amid threat of U.S. attack.

Russia and Iran have strong ties, but since 2022 Russia has repeatedly failed to support allies. Notably, Russia failed to support Assad in Syria in 2024.
Iran's top security official meets with Putin amid threats of US military action
Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary traveled to Russia on Jan. 30 for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
kyivindependent.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:31 PM
NEWSFLASH: When Trump announced a week-long ceasefire yesterday, Russia's officials didn't rush to confirm. Today, they said that the attacks will be halted only until Feb 1.

Starting Feb 1, Ukraine will again face severe temperatures, reaching -30°C in some areas.
Trump’s weeklong ceasefire? Russia says 2 days
Yesterday Trump announced an energy ceasefire for one week, crucial for Kyiv during its power and heating crisis. But today Russia responded — they will halt attacks only until February 1st.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 30, 2026 at 2:39 PM
NEWSFLASH: As Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities try to recover from extreme damage to energy systems, Trump said there will be an energy ceasefire.

This would be critical for civilians during a harsh winter, but there is still no confirmation from Kremlin.
NEWSFLASH: Trump, Zelenskyy announce energy ceasefire in Ukraine
As temperatures plummet across Ukraine, Trump says Putin has agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for a week.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 29, 2026 at 9:13 PM
In 2019, Taiwan legalized gay marriage.

From China, Light only saw this freedom on TV. But in 2025, he moved to Taiwan and made it his own when he married his partner.

As tension between the two countries grows, Light worries he may be forced to abandon his new found freedom.
Same-sex couples find a haven in Taiwan
Same-sex couples formed in China once found refuge on the island. Now, rising security anxieties are testing that promise.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 29, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

2M Russian and Ukrainian troops killed, wounded or missing.

This comes with other CSIS reporting which estimates that Russia has suffered “more losses than any major power” since WWII.
Ukraine war briefing: Nearly 2 million military casualties to date, study finds, with Russia bearing brunt of losses
Drone strike on Ukrainian passenger train kills five and Poland urges Musk to cut Russia’s Starlink access. What we know on day 1,435
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

A childhood full of explosions and air raids is changing Oleksandra’s little brothers.

As with many Ukrainian children, the violence is fueling anger, shaping the way they speak, their fears, and their worldview.
January 27, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Alex Vindman to run for Florida Senate
January 27, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Here's what the Counteroffensive is reading today:

Russia has only 3-4 Oreshnik missiles but plans to build 5+ per year starting in 2026, Ukrainian intel reports.

Despite peace talks and Russia’s rhetoric about ending the war, Russia continues to ramp up military production.
Олег Луговський, перший заступник голови Служби зовнішньої розвідки України
Орєшнік - інструмент залякування наших партнерів у Європі — Укрінформ.
www.ukrinform.ua
January 25, 2026 at 2:06 PM
For Amir Rashidi Iran’s previous internet blackouts felt like yelling for help with nobody to hear you.

But as an internet expert, Amir believes internet cutoffs like Iran’s could become more common than we like to think.
January 24, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Putin offered to give $1 billion to Trump’s Board of Peace from the $5 billion Russian frozen assets in the U.S, at a Russia’s Security Council meeting.

The rest of the funds will be put to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Putin Offers Frozen Russian Assets in US to Peace Board, Ukraine
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said he is ready to commit Russian assets that remain frozen in the US to rebuild Ukrainian regions damaged during the war after a peace treaty is concluded.
www.bloomberg.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

One sixth of Kyiv residents have fled the capital due to extreme power blackouts during the harshest winter in years.

Our Myroslava and Nastia are among those who made the decision to leave their dark cold apartments.
Why Myroslava, Nastia left Kyiv
Russia’s attacks on the energy sector have left Kyiv without electricity, heat and water. Myroslava and Nastia have left for now, and open up about the brutal conditions forcing this painful decision.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 21, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Trump invited Zelenskyy, Putin and Belarus’ Lukashenko to the Gaza Peace Council.

The board will have 49 countries who will sign on to the project on Jan. 22.
Russia knocks out Kyiv’s power, heating and water
Missile and drone barrage unleashed on Ukrainian capital comes hours after Trump invited Putin to join his ‘Board of Peace’
www.ft.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:12 PM
Both Mohammad and Mohsen lost their eyesight during protests in Iran.

Mohammad just saw a red laser before being shot in the head, while grenade shrapnel took Mohsen's eye.

But, miraculously, both survived, left Iran and are still protesting for Iran's freedom abroad.
January 19, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Zelenskyy warns Russia will strike Ukrainian infrastructure, specifically targeting facilities and networks serving nuclear plants.

Since 2022 Ukraine’s energy generation capacity has gone from 33.7 gigawatts to 14.
Russia preparing strikes on facilities that serve nuclear power plants, Zelenskyy says
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, following a meeting with Oleh Ivashchenko, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), that Russia is preparing further strikes on Ukraine's energy system an...
www.pravda.com.ua
January 18, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

When McDonald's first came to Ukraine in 1997, it symbolised the end of an era: the collapse of the Iron Curtain.

But during the war the chain has offered shelter and warmth to many and today is a symbol of resilience.
Only reliable U.S. aid for Ukraine: McDonald’s
McDonald’s is more than fast food in Ukraine — it’s a small piece of America. Vitalii, who worked there after it reopened during the war, says it also serves as shelter during blackouts and cold.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 17, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

The EU is considering a two-tier EU membership for Kyiv, the first stage would allow Kyiv to gain access to the EU market, subsidies, and development funds.

This would go against any precedent set by past EU accession processes.
EU ‘membership-lite’ plan for Ukraine spooks European capitals
Reforms under discussion would tear up accession rules used since cold war to allow Kyiv to join in a potential peace deal
www.ft.com
January 16, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

Amidst one of Kyiv’s coldest winters in recent years, many residents don’t have heat or power.

Mariana dreamed of Antarctica and glaciers but is now trying to survive Kyiv, which is looking increasingly apocalyptic.
I once craved the polar cold. Now I fear it at home.
Kyiv is freezing after Russia’s latest attacks, facing its harshest winter in years. Mariana, who once dreamed of the polar circle, now struggles to survive at home.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 15, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Reposted by Tim Mak
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:

Yuliia Tymoshenko, head of one of Ukraine's biggest parties and ex-Prime Minister, is suspected of trying to buy votes from lawmakers.
It is believed she tried to influence defence, energy and justice minister appointments.
НАБУ і САП викрили Юлію Тимошенко на корупції, тривають обшуки в офісі "Батьківщини" – джерела
НАБУ та САП розслідують підкуп у Верховній Раді. Обшуки в офісі партії "Батьківщина" на Турівській в Києві.
www.pravda.com.ua
January 14, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

Before protests in Iran were about freedom, but these one are different. They're about food, Mehdi said.

Mehdi, an agriculture expert, knows what drought has done to Iran and believes the country is at a tipping point.
How a drought drives Iran’s protests
Protests sparked by drastic inflation are raging all over Iran. Mehdi has spent years watching Iran’s water shortage drive the country to a tipping point.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 13, 2026 at 3:20 PM