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/
One evening Nastia was craving McDonald’s, but when arrived, an air raid alert started and the restaurant was forced to close until the alert passed.
She waited in the company of this exhausted dog, who had to wait with his owner, too.
She waited in the company of this exhausted dog, who had to wait with his owner, too.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
One evening Nastia was craving McDonald’s, but when arrived, an air raid alert started and the restaurant was forced to close until the alert passed.
She waited in the company of this exhausted dog, who had to wait with his owner, too.
She waited in the company of this exhausted dog, who had to wait with his owner, too.
“I saw the pure terror in my parent’s eyes. Dad’s shaky voice while he was calling firefighters and standing there and seeing terrifying results of the strike just 50 meters from us,” Liza said, about the moment of strike.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
“I saw the pure terror in my parent’s eyes. Dad’s shaky voice while he was calling firefighters and standing there and seeing terrifying results of the strike just 50 meters from us,” Liza said, about the moment of strike.
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Mariana’s cat, Simba, casually sleeps on the floor, as if he works night shifts to feed his 3 children (he is just too relaxed).
Mariana’s cat, Simba, casually sleeps on the floor, as if he works night shifts to feed his 3 children (he is just too relaxed).
November 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Mariana’s cat, Simba, casually sleeps on the floor, as if he works night shifts to feed his 3 children (he is just too relaxed).
Mariana’s cat, Simba, casually sleeps on the floor, as if he works night shifts to feed his 3 children (he is just too relaxed).
Cat of Conflict:
Zoriana took a picture of this cat on the night she spent in the metro. Its owners let it out of its carrier, and it settled right between a boy and a girl, peeking out from behind their shoulders to get a better view.
Zoriana took a picture of this cat on the night she spent in the metro. Its owners let it out of its carrier, and it settled right between a boy and a girl, peeking out from behind their shoulders to get a better view.
November 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Cat of Conflict:
Zoriana took a picture of this cat on the night she spent in the metro. Its owners let it out of its carrier, and it settled right between a boy and a girl, peeking out from behind their shoulders to get a better view.
Zoriana took a picture of this cat on the night she spent in the metro. Its owners let it out of its carrier, and it settled right between a boy and a girl, peeking out from behind their shoulders to get a better view.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv alone has endured 1,903 air raid alerts and 95 days of Russian airstrikes.
Zoriana tells us what it's like to spend a night sheltering in her local subway station.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv alone has endured 1,903 air raid alerts and 95 days of Russian airstrikes.
Zoriana tells us what it's like to spend a night sheltering in her local subway station.
November 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv alone has endured 1,903 air raid alerts and 95 days of Russian airstrikes.
Zoriana tells us what it's like to spend a night sheltering in her local subway station.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv alone has endured 1,903 air raid alerts and 95 days of Russian airstrikes.
Zoriana tells us what it's like to spend a night sheltering in her local subway station.
DOG OF WAR:
A cute dog accompanied Sasha on her way from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and made friends with everyone in the train compartment.
A cute dog accompanied Sasha on her way from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and made friends with everyone in the train compartment.
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
DOG OF WAR:
A cute dog accompanied Sasha on her way from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and made friends with everyone in the train compartment.
A cute dog accompanied Sasha on her way from Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and made friends with everyone in the train compartment.
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Ukraine has once again been plunged into darkness by Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure.
For Ukrainian mothers, like Myroslava, this means dealing with the stress and mess of caring for an infant – with no power.
Ukraine has once again been plunged into darkness by Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure.
For Ukrainian mothers, like Myroslava, this means dealing with the stress and mess of caring for an infant – with no power.
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Ukraine has once again been plunged into darkness by Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure.
For Ukrainian mothers, like Myroslava, this means dealing with the stress and mess of caring for an infant – with no power.
Ukraine has once again been plunged into darkness by Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure.
For Ukrainian mothers, like Myroslava, this means dealing with the stress and mess of caring for an infant – with no power.
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Nastia met this fluffy buddy during her smoking break [Tim is a big promoter of a healthy lifestyle for the team, but life in Ukraine can be stressful…] The cat was really firm with its boundaries and didn’t let Nastia pet itself.
Nastia met this fluffy buddy during her smoking break [Tim is a big promoter of a healthy lifestyle for the team, but life in Ukraine can be stressful…] The cat was really firm with its boundaries and didn’t let Nastia pet itself.
November 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
CAT OF CONFLICT:
Nastia met this fluffy buddy during her smoking break [Tim is a big promoter of a healthy lifestyle for the team, but life in Ukraine can be stressful…] The cat was really firm with its boundaries and didn’t let Nastia pet itself.
Nastia met this fluffy buddy during her smoking break [Tim is a big promoter of a healthy lifestyle for the team, but life in Ukraine can be stressful…] The cat was really firm with its boundaries and didn’t let Nastia pet itself.
Hungary’s story is a warning of how easy it is to backpedal on Western liberal values. Countries that rely on Russian natural resources risk following Budapest’s example, sliding toward authoritarianism.
November 1, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Hungary’s story is a warning of how easy it is to backpedal on Western liberal values. Countries that rely on Russian natural resources risk following Budapest’s example, sliding toward authoritarianism.
A fluffy dog that looked just like a teddy bear kept Mariana company at the Asian restaurant, where she had dinner after going to the theater that weekend!
October 28, 2025 at 2:44 PM
A fluffy dog that looked just like a teddy bear kept Mariana company at the Asian restaurant, where she had dinner after going to the theater that weekend!
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Ukrainian seniors are challenging stereotypes about age and becoming TikTok stars to cope with the stress and loneliness of war.
54-year-old Antonina creates content for her 55,000 followers during her work breaks.
Ukrainian seniors are challenging stereotypes about age and becoming TikTok stars to cope with the stress and loneliness of war.
54-year-old Antonina creates content for her 55,000 followers during her work breaks.
October 28, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Ukrainian seniors are challenging stereotypes about age and becoming TikTok stars to cope with the stress and loneliness of war.
54-year-old Antonina creates content for her 55,000 followers during her work breaks.
Ukrainian seniors are challenging stereotypes about age and becoming TikTok stars to cope with the stress and loneliness of war.
54-year-old Antonina creates content for her 55,000 followers during her work breaks.
Today, October 27, Ukraine celebrates Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language, and for the 25th year in a row, Ukrainians are writing a radio dictation. Our team did not stand aside and joined the annual radio dictation.
October 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Today, October 27, Ukraine celebrates Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language, and for the 25th year in a row, Ukrainians are writing a radio dictation. Our team did not stand aside and joined the annual radio dictation.
DOGS OF WAR:
Zoriana saw these two dogs when she went to pick up a package at the post office. These nimble merrymakers were rushing their owner, probably eager to unpack the boxes.
Zoriana saw these two dogs when she went to pick up a package at the post office. These nimble merrymakers were rushing their owner, probably eager to unpack the boxes.
October 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
DOGS OF WAR:
Zoriana saw these two dogs when she went to pick up a package at the post office. These nimble merrymakers were rushing their owner, probably eager to unpack the boxes.
Zoriana saw these two dogs when she went to pick up a package at the post office. These nimble merrymakers were rushing their owner, probably eager to unpack the boxes.
DOG OF WAR:
This fluffy pup, accidentally spotted in the cafe, is also trying to warm up from the unfolding cold. He represents all of The Counteroffensive team members :’)
This fluffy pup, accidentally spotted in the cafe, is also trying to warm up from the unfolding cold. He represents all of The Counteroffensive team members :’)
October 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
DOG OF WAR:
This fluffy pup, accidentally spotted in the cafe, is also trying to warm up from the unfolding cold. He represents all of The Counteroffensive team members :’)
This fluffy pup, accidentally spotted in the cafe, is also trying to warm up from the unfolding cold. He represents all of The Counteroffensive team members :’)
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Centralized heating made sense to the Soviets, but now it means that Russia's attacks on energy systems are even more dangerous.
Yevdokiia experienced this when a pipeline accident plunged her community into the cold.
Centralized heating made sense to the Soviets, but now it means that Russia's attacks on energy systems are even more dangerous.
Yevdokiia experienced this when a pipeline accident plunged her community into the cold.
October 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Centralized heating made sense to the Soviets, but now it means that Russia's attacks on energy systems are even more dangerous.
Yevdokiia experienced this when a pipeline accident plunged her community into the cold.
Centralized heating made sense to the Soviets, but now it means that Russia's attacks on energy systems are even more dangerous.
Yevdokiia experienced this when a pipeline accident plunged her community into the cold.
Today's dog of war is a white fluffy dog that Zoriana saw at a KFC cafe. He waited so loyally for the order that it was very sad to see his disappointed look when his owners didn't share their food with him. Well, at least someone is sticking to the right diet!
October 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Today's dog of war is a white fluffy dog that Zoriana saw at a KFC cafe. He waited so loyally for the order that it was very sad to see his disappointed look when his owners didn't share their food with him. Well, at least someone is sticking to the right diet!
Despite earlier hopes, Trump and Zelenskyy did not agree on the vital supply of Tomahawk long-range missiles last Friday. The missiles could significantly increase Ukraine’s ability to strike far-off Russian targets, and in particular target Russia’s vulnerable energy sector.
October 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Despite earlier hopes, Trump and Zelenskyy did not agree on the vital supply of Tomahawk long-range missiles last Friday. The missiles could significantly increase Ukraine’s ability to strike far-off Russian targets, and in particular target Russia’s vulnerable energy sector.
It’s the end of the 2000s.
Sixteen-year-old Andrii lies in the fields of Kharkiv region, spending hours lying in tall grass with a camera and a bottle of water, photographing the training flights of cadets from the nearby Air Force University.
Sixteen-year-old Andrii lies in the fields of Kharkiv region, spending hours lying in tall grass with a camera and a bottle of water, photographing the training flights of cadets from the nearby Air Force University.
October 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
It’s the end of the 2000s.
Sixteen-year-old Andrii lies in the fields of Kharkiv region, spending hours lying in tall grass with a camera and a bottle of water, photographing the training flights of cadets from the nearby Air Force University.
Sixteen-year-old Andrii lies in the fields of Kharkiv region, spending hours lying in tall grass with a camera and a bottle of water, photographing the training flights of cadets from the nearby Air Force University.
DOG OF WAR:
This is Lexi, a couple month old puppy from the Canine Center who is just yet to be tested to decide her speciality and to begin her training.
Her handler brought her to the training yard to show how experienced dogs are exercising. She was super excited.
This is Lexi, a couple month old puppy from the Canine Center who is just yet to be tested to decide her speciality and to begin her training.
Her handler brought her to the training yard to show how experienced dogs are exercising. She was super excited.
October 18, 2025 at 2:13 PM
DOG OF WAR:
This is Lexi, a couple month old puppy from the Canine Center who is just yet to be tested to decide her speciality and to begin her training.
Her handler brought her to the training yard to show how experienced dogs are exercising. She was super excited.
This is Lexi, a couple month old puppy from the Canine Center who is just yet to be tested to decide her speciality and to begin her training.
Her handler brought her to the training yard to show how experienced dogs are exercising. She was super excited.
This cutie belongs to Liza’s friend, and she often takes him for walks in the city park. He loves climbing tall trees and enjoying the view from above.
October 14, 2025 at 1:43 PM
This cutie belongs to Liza’s friend, and she often takes him for walks in the city park. He loves climbing tall trees and enjoying the view from above.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Russia renames streets not only to rewrite history, but also to rob Ukrainians, like Nataliia, of promised compensation for their destroyed homes.
We investigated how Russia steals property in occupied territory.
Russia renames streets not only to rewrite history, but also to rob Ukrainians, like Nataliia, of promised compensation for their destroyed homes.
We investigated how Russia steals property in occupied territory.
October 14, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Russia renames streets not only to rewrite history, but also to rob Ukrainians, like Nataliia, of promised compensation for their destroyed homes.
We investigated how Russia steals property in occupied territory.
Russia renames streets not only to rewrite history, but also to rob Ukrainians, like Nataliia, of promised compensation for their destroyed homes.
We investigated how Russia steals property in occupied territory.
DOG OF WAR
Zoriana saw this dog on the metro when she was returning home. The loud noises and the crowd scared him a little, so he tried to hide in the backpack he was being carried in.
Zoriana saw this dog on the metro when she was returning home. The loud noises and the crowd scared him a little, so he tried to hide in the backpack he was being carried in.
October 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
DOG OF WAR
Zoriana saw this dog on the metro when she was returning home. The loud noises and the crowd scared him a little, so he tried to hide in the backpack he was being carried in.
Zoriana saw this dog on the metro when she was returning home. The loud noises and the crowd scared him a little, so he tried to hide in the backpack he was being carried in.
DOG OF WAR
Zorіana's friend saw this dog in her hometown. She tried to take a photo of him for three days, but he kept hiding from her. One day, she finally managed to take a picture, and in response, the dog started barking, probably wanting to see the photo immediately.
Zorіana's friend saw this dog in her hometown. She tried to take a photo of him for three days, but he kept hiding from her. One day, she finally managed to take a picture, and in response, the dog started barking, probably wanting to see the photo immediately.
October 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
DOG OF WAR
Zorіana's friend saw this dog in her hometown. She tried to take a photo of him for three days, but he kept hiding from her. One day, she finally managed to take a picture, and in response, the dog started barking, probably wanting to see the photo immediately.
Zorіana's friend saw this dog in her hometown. She tried to take a photo of him for three days, but he kept hiding from her. One day, she finally managed to take a picture, and in response, the dog started barking, probably wanting to see the photo immediately.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Although the army would seem to be that last place for an anarchist, Ukraine’s military is an exception.
Here, everybody needs Ukraine to win.
Faust, an anarchist, signed up to fight for the freedom of his loved ones.
Although the army would seem to be that last place for an anarchist, Ukraine’s military is an exception.
Here, everybody needs Ukraine to win.
Faust, an anarchist, signed up to fight for the freedom of his loved ones.
October 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Although the army would seem to be that last place for an anarchist, Ukraine’s military is an exception.
Here, everybody needs Ukraine to win.
Faust, an anarchist, signed up to fight for the freedom of his loved ones.
Although the army would seem to be that last place for an anarchist, Ukraine’s military is an exception.
Here, everybody needs Ukraine to win.
Faust, an anarchist, signed up to fight for the freedom of his loved ones.
DOG OF WAR
Zoriana met this dog during her morning walk today. It's getting colder every day, but he didn't seem to care about it, just looking at the autumn leaves while his owner was typing something on her phone.
Zoriana met this dog during her morning walk today. It's getting colder every day, but he didn't seem to care about it, just looking at the autumn leaves while his owner was typing something on her phone.
October 4, 2025 at 1:33 PM
DOG OF WAR
Zoriana met this dog during her morning walk today. It's getting colder every day, but he didn't seem to care about it, just looking at the autumn leaves while his owner was typing something on her phone.
Zoriana met this dog during her morning walk today. It's getting colder every day, but he didn't seem to care about it, just looking at the autumn leaves while his owner was typing something on her phone.