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/
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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
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Captivated by this story?
Without your support, these stories can’t be told.
Engage with us through the link!
www.counteroffensive.news
Without your support, these stories can’t be told.
Engage with us through the link!
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.
Read our newsflash about the latest Russian attack via the link.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
NEWSFLASH: Close misses in Kyiv last night
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack, narrowly missing multiple Counteroffensive staff. 9/10 capital districts were on fire, with ~30 residential buildings hit directly or by shrapnel.
www.counteroffensive.news
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Read our newsflash about the latest Russian attack via the link.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
One explosion occurred near The Counteroffensive’s offices, where I sleep, shaking the entire building and setting off car alarms across the neighborhood.
Another strike took place on the building next to our colleague Liza, who captured the fire across the street.
Another strike took place on the building next to our colleague Liza, who captured the fire across the street.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
One explosion occurred near The Counteroffensive’s offices, where I sleep, shaking the entire building and setting off car alarms across the neighborhood.
Another strike took place on the building next to our colleague Liza, who captured the fire across the street.
Another strike took place on the building next to our colleague Liza, who captured the fire across the street.
At a certain point you lose track of the number of blasts, but then get shaken back awake with a surge of adrenaline when something explodes nearby – far closer than you typically expect.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
At a certain point you lose track of the number of blasts, but then get shaken back awake with a surge of adrenaline when something explodes nearby – far closer than you typically expect.
What a night.
The overnight hours were filled with the sounds of anti-aircraft machine gun fire, explosions, and the ever-present, sneering sound of Shaheed drones.
For the first time, I saw a green laser targeting incoming Russian drones.
The overnight hours were filled with the sounds of anti-aircraft machine gun fire, explosions, and the ever-present, sneering sound of Shaheed drones.
For the first time, I saw a green laser targeting incoming Russian drones.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
What a night.
The overnight hours were filled with the sounds of anti-aircraft machine gun fire, explosions, and the ever-present, sneering sound of Shaheed drones.
For the first time, I saw a green laser targeting incoming Russian drones.
The overnight hours were filled with the sounds of anti-aircraft machine gun fire, explosions, and the ever-present, sneering sound of Shaheed drones.
For the first time, I saw a green laser targeting incoming Russian drones.
The attack hit 9 out of Kyiv's 10 districts, killed four people and injured 27.
Russia launched 430 drones and 18 missiles at Ukraine, with Kyiv receiving the brunt of it. 30 buildings in Kyiv caught fire.
Russia launched 430 drones and 18 missiles at Ukraine, with Kyiv receiving the brunt of it. 30 buildings in Kyiv caught fire.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The attack hit 9 out of Kyiv's 10 districts, killed four people and injured 27.
Russia launched 430 drones and 18 missiles at Ukraine, with Kyiv receiving the brunt of it. 30 buildings in Kyiv caught fire.
Russia launched 430 drones and 18 missiles at Ukraine, with Kyiv receiving the brunt of it. 30 buildings in Kyiv caught fire.
Information that turns into action.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
www.counteroffensive.news
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
www.counteroffensive.news
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
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Information that turns into action.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
www.counteroffensive.news
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
www.counteroffensive.news
Here's what Sasha is listening to today:
KRUTЬ | Чи ти мій сон | live with chamber orchestra
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tzx...
KRUTЬ | Чи ти мій сон | live with chamber orchestra
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tzx...
KRUTЬ | Чи ти мій сон | live with chamber orchestra
YouTube video by Марина Круть
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Here's what Sasha is listening to today:
KRUTЬ | Чи ти мій сон | live with chamber orchestra
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tzx...
KRUTЬ | Чи ти мій сон | live with chamber orchestra
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tzx...
Missed our latest article about russian war crimes and ‘safari’ on civilians in the Kherson region? Read it via the link.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/overnight-...
www.counteroffensive.news/p/overnight-...
Overnight in the subway, thanks to Russian bombings
The metro can become a refuge when the city is facing explosions during the night. You can experience it, by staying in the metro with Zoriana.
www.counteroffensive.news
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Missed our latest article about russian war crimes and ‘safari’ on civilians in the Kherson region? Read it via the link.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/overnight-...
www.counteroffensive.news/p/overnight-...
More than 200 Kenyan citizens are fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war. Many were deceived and lured into the conflict unknowingly.
According to Ukrainian officials, more than 1,400 citizens from three dozen African countries are trapped in the Russian army.
According to Ukrainian officials, more than 1,400 citizens from three dozen African countries are trapped in the Russian army.
www.reuters.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
More than 200 Kenyan citizens are fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war. Many were deceived and lured into the conflict unknowingly.
According to Ukrainian officials, more than 1,400 citizens from three dozen African countries are trapped in the Russian army.
According to Ukrainian officials, more than 1,400 citizens from three dozen African countries are trapped in the Russian army.
Russia has introduced unmanned systems troops, the group has a structured hierarchy and leadership roles. Higher military educational institutions are being established for these forces.
Ukraine established its own unmanned systems troops on 6 February 2024.
Ukraine established its own unmanned systems troops on 6 February 2024.
У Росії створили війська безпілотних систем
У Росії створено новий рід військ - безпілотні системи. Путін анонсував його створення ще у червні.
babel.ua
November 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Russia has introduced unmanned systems troops, the group has a structured hierarchy and leadership roles. Higher military educational institutions are being established for these forces.
Ukraine established its own unmanned systems troops on 6 February 2024.
Ukraine established its own unmanned systems troops on 6 February 2024.
Information that turns into action.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved 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
November 12, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Information that turns into action.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved through the link.
Here's what Myroslava is listening to today:
Додай гучності - Jerry Heil
Додай гучності - Jerry Heil
Jerry Heil - Додай гучності (12 points) [Official Music Video]
YouTube video by Jerry Heil
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Here's what Myroslava is listening to today:
Додай гучності - Jerry Heil
Додай гучності - Jerry Heil
Missed our latest article about russian war crimes and ‘safari’ on civilians in the Kherson region? Read it via the link:
Russia’s disturbing human ‘safaris’
Violating the laws of war, Russians have created a sick game of hunting civilians with FPV drones near the frontline. We take you behind the scenes, to the people most affected.
www.counteroffensive.news
November 12, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Missed our latest article about russian war crimes and ‘safari’ on civilians in the Kherson region? Read it via the link:
Ukraine’s Justice Minister and former Energy Minister Halushchenko has been suspended amid a $100M corruption probe in the energy sector.
The probe came after Russia’s biggest attack on the energy grid, which caused nationwide blackouts and raised questions about its protection.
The probe came after Russia’s biggest attack on the energy grid, which caused nationwide blackouts and raised questions about its protection.
Ukraine’s justice minister suspended amid $100M corruption probe
Growing scandal rattles Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government in Kyiv.
www.politico.eu
November 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Ukraine’s Justice Minister and former Energy Minister Halushchenko has been suspended amid a $100M corruption probe in the energy sector.
The probe came after Russia’s biggest attack on the energy grid, which caused nationwide blackouts and raised questions about its protection.
The probe came after Russia’s biggest attack on the energy grid, which caused nationwide blackouts and raised questions about its protection.
Russia is ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, TASS reports, citing a FM official. He said “the ball is in the Ukraine's court.” Kyiv rejects blame for stalled talks.
Russia has been repeatedly criticised for not engaging with peace talks in good faith.
Russia has been repeatedly criticised for not engaging with peace talks in good faith.
www.reuters.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Russia is ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, TASS reports, citing a FM official. He said “the ball is in the Ukraine's court.” Kyiv rejects blame for stalled talks.
Russia has been repeatedly criticised for not engaging with peace talks in good faith.
Russia has been repeatedly criticised for not engaging with peace talks in good faith.
See past just the statistics – hear the voice of Ukraine.
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link in bio!
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link in bio!
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
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
See past just the statistics – hear the voice of Ukraine.
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link in bio!
Support reporting that puts human stories first.
Subscribe through the link in bio!
Here’s what Tania is listening to today:
Молодість - Ницо потворно
Молодість - Ницо потворно
Молодість
YouTube video by Ницо Потворно - Topic
music.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Here’s what Tania is listening to today:
Молодість - Ницо потворно
Молодість - Ницо потворно
Russians have turned FPV drones into a brutal game of hunting civilians near the frontline, read more at the link.
Russia’s disturbing human ‘safaris’
Violating the laws of war, Russians have created a sick game of hunting civilians with FPV drones near the frontline. We take you behind the scenes, to the people most affected.
www.counteroffensive.news
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Russians have turned FPV drones into a brutal game of hunting civilians near the frontline, read more at the link.
Most Indian oil refineries refused to purchase Russian oil, following U.S. sanctions on Russia and tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, according to Bloomberg.
This comes amidst India-U.S. trade talks. Yesterday, Trump said the countries were “pretty close” to a deal.
This comes amidst India-U.S. trade talks. Yesterday, Trump said the countries were “pretty close” to a deal.
Most Indian Oil Refiners Skip Buying Russian Crude for December
India has scaled back purchases of Russian crude for arrival in December, showing that Western sanctions and trade talks with the US are having a major impact on buying patterns.
www.bloomberg.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Most Indian oil refineries refused to purchase Russian oil, following U.S. sanctions on Russia and tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, according to Bloomberg.
This comes amidst India-U.S. trade talks. Yesterday, Trump said the countries were “pretty close” to a deal.
This comes amidst India-U.S. trade talks. Yesterday, Trump said the countries were “pretty close” to a deal.
The EU is creating a new intel agency amid Trump's statements about reducing US support for European security.
Many EU governments are concerned about sharing sensitive intel and even more concerned about collaborating with countries like Hungary, who could be unreliable.
Many EU governments are concerned about sharing sensitive intel and even more concerned about collaborating with countries like Hungary, who could be unreliable.
EU to set up new intelligence unit under Ursula von der Leyen
Body to collate material from national agencies and improve its operational use
www.ft.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The EU is creating a new intel agency amid Trump's statements about reducing US support for European security.
Many EU governments are concerned about sharing sensitive intel and even more concerned about collaborating with countries like Hungary, who could be unreliable.
Many EU governments are concerned about sharing sensitive intel and even more concerned about collaborating with countries like Hungary, who could be unreliable.