Sign in

Tim Mak

@timkmak.bsky.social
37K followers 51 following 10K posts

Founder, The Counteroffensive Media Group. Compelling reporting on human stories to illustrate the news. Fmr US Army medic. linktr.ee/counteroffensivenews

PostsRepliesMedia
Pinned
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Poland has been one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine, but this summer, historical tensions between the two countries have spiraled into rising xenophobia. Ivanna has witnessed this shift in sentiments herself.
counteroffensive.news
Do Poles really hate Ukrainians?
The escalated tensions in Poland-Ukraine relations this summer caused rising xenophobia against Ukrainians in Poland. Ivanna Spivachenko has witnessed this shift herself.
2272
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 4h
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:  Trump’s envoy is considering trading sanctions relief for Russia in exchange for political prisoners. The deal could pave the way for U.S.-Russia business deals to take place even before the war in Ukraine ends.
theatlantic.com
Trump’s Latest Appeal to Russia Could Outrage Even His Allies
Trump’s envoy wants to trade Russian political prisoners for U.S. sanctions relief, creating a path to business deals before the war in Ukraine ends.
83618
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 5h
You're probably seeing daily footage of explosions, fires and casualties in Kyiv. Footage that doesn't look like it's coming out of a European capital. I'm going live with Ryan McBeth on why Kyiv looks like a frontline city and if Russia's strategy is working. 12pm ET / 5pm BST Tune in live:
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: Why Kyiv looks like a frontline city
Starting Sep 30 at 12:00 PM EDT
13013
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
You don't need to be a tech expert to fly a military drone. The drones used in war today cost a few hundred dollars and take minutes to learn, so anyone who has played a video game could be flying one well after 2 days of practice, including people who mean harm.
1336
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: The Ukrainian army used drones to deliver 4 tons of food to 100 locations in occupied Oleshky in the Kherson region. Regional authorities said this was one of the largest efforts to ease the local humanitarian crisis so far.
t.me
Прокудін Олександр - Офіційна сторінка
В окупованих Олешках росіяни тримають у заручниках близько двох тисяч наших людей, серед яких майже пів сотні дітей. Вони змушені виживати без їжі, електрики та води. А найстрашніше – росіяни фактично...
33813
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Despite Trump’s claims about an energy ceasefire, Ukraine braces for another tough winter, but this time Russia may target water supply and sewage systems. Valentyna has faced this disaster before, fears doing it again.
counteroffensive.news
Trump's “energy truce" contradicts Putin's winter plans
Still deeply traumatized by last winter, which nearly tipped Kyiv into a humanitarian crisis, Ukraine is bracing for new disasters this year.
1527
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
1 hour to go until I'm live with Alex Lord, Sibylline's lead Europe-Eurasia analyst, breaking down our Black Hawk Down simluation. Come find out what our wargame revealed. Today 10am ET / 3pm BST / 5pm Kyiv Tune in live: open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: What if Somali militias had drones in ‘Black Hawk Down’?
Starting Sep 25 at 10:00 AM EDT
0111
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Ukraine’s recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied territories is no longer on the peace talk agenda, Zelenskyy said. He attributed the shift to Ukraine’s gains on the battlefield.
facebook.com
1301
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The US might've fired more Patriot missiles in one week of the Iran war than Ukraine has in over 4.5 years of this whole war. The US fires 3 interceptors at once per missile, just to be safe. Ukraine used to do that too but now they're down to firing just one, if that.
15112
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Ada is a semiconductor salesperson and an investor in Taiwan’s AI company. Now it is caught in the middle as two world superpowers are fighting over a tiny island’s tech industry, hoping to win the AI race.
counteroffensive.news
Xi's Trump visit puts Taiwan's AI boom in crossfire
As the two superpowers fight for leverage over Taiwan, businesses that control the country's AI trend are walking a tightrope between them
1134
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
No effect on mobile as far as I can tell
0211
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Internet’s been out at the Counteroffensive office all day. We called the wifi company but no one picked up. Russian strikes hit data centers of some internet providers in Kyiv and the Ministry of Digital Transformation said about 100K households are dealing with the same outage.
1347
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Von der Leyen made it clear to Zelenskyy in a tense meeting at the UN that Ukraine needs to make progress on aligning its legal system with the EU standards to get further funding.
bloomberg.com
EU Tells Ukraine to Bolster Rule of Law Before It Gets More Aid
European Union officials have told Ukraine they need to see progress on new legislation to curb the shadow economy, bolster tax revenue and move closer to EU law before they’ll dispense more funding.
1212
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We published a wargamed version of Black Hawk Down but in the presence of today's cheap drones. Tomorrow, I'm going live with Alex Lord, Sibylline's analyst, to unpack what the simulation revealed. September 23, 10am ET / 3pm BST / 5pm Kyiv Get notified:
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: What if Somali militias had drones in ‘Black Hawk Down’?
Starting Sep 23 at 10:00 AM EDT
081
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Russia has introduced a curfew in areas bordering Estonia. This is the first such measure on a frontier with an EU and NATO member since the full-scale invasion began. Movement near the border is now restricted at night.
newsukraine.rbc.ua
Russia imposes curfew on border with Estonia
Read more
1166
Reposted by Tim Mak
Nick @thesunglasskid.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
And for those of you who want to keep up to date on Kyiv, @timkmak.bsky.social is your man.
0112
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We war-gamed what the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu would've looked like with today's cheap combat drones added in. 2 Black Hawks were already down by the end of part one. Here's what happens next:
1160
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR: RUSSIA TO RAMP UP DRONE PRODUCTION BY 80%: According to Russian plans obtained by Politico, Russia plans to scale up its production of drones by about 80 percent.
politico.eu
Russia’s secret plan to supercharge kamikaze drone production
Documents obtained by POLITICO show a Russian state company blueprint for increasing drone carbon fiber production as the Kremlin escalates air war over Europe.
1379
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
What if the Somali militia in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu had access to today's cheap combat drones? We ran the whole scenario as a wargame with actual military veterans and intelligence analysts.
counteroffensive.news
What if Somali militias had drones in ‘Black Hawk Down’?
How would drones have changed the SOF mission in Mogadishu that Americans know as Black Hawk Down? Would the battle have ended in a deadlier fashion and what lessons can we draw for modern warfare?
1224
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Russia pays a fortune to families when their loved ones are killed in Ukraine, bringing money to poorer regions. Serhii exposes how this is fuelling a fake boom in Russia’s poorest regions and why it’s already fading.
counteroffensive.news
Russia’s poorest regions thrive on death
Russia pays a fortune to its poorest families for their loved ones killed in Ukraine, bringing more money to poorer regions. Serhii talks to Russians daily and knows their riches change nothing.
17023
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Slovakia’s PM said that Slovakia, a NATO member, would not fulfil its commitments outlined in NATO’s Article 5 and protect NATO members if they were attacked. Fico also accused EU leaders of "war-mongering conversations".
facebook.com
2194
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
There's a window of just 5 to 10 seconds where someone has to decide: shoot down an incoming missile or let it through. Most people think it's automatic. Missile expert Fabian Hoffmann says it's not, operators watch death approach and decide, in real time, whether to stop it.
0297
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Good morning, readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. NABU uncovered a corruption scheme at the Prosecutor General’s Office to protect a large network of scam call centers. Karina, who worked at one of these call centers, shares her experience.
counteroffensive.news
Ukraine’s scam centers at the heart of corruption scandal
Amid an anti-corruption investigation into the Prosecutor General's Office's role in protecting scam call centers, the Prosecutor General fled Ukraine. We dug deeper into how scammers operated.
1274
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The Russian sanctions bill named after Lindsey Graham just passed through the House and is now en route to Trump's desk. This is the same bill that Democrats were stalling earlier this month, in fear that it only gives Trump more power over the U.S. economy.
counteroffensive.news
NEWSFLASH: Democrats blocking Russia sanctions bill
Democrats in the House of Representatives are stalling Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions, unwilling to give Trump more power over the American economy.
1204
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Missiles are changing fast in this war. Today, I'm going live with Fabian Hoffmann of Missile Matters to dive into Ukraine's push to build its own ballistics and whether this war edges closer to nuclear risk. 1pm ET / 6pm BST / 8pm Kyiv Tune in: open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: DEEP DIVE: Why are Russian missiles so hard to shoot down?
Starting Sep 16 at 1:00 PM EDT
0232
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Russian intelligence services planned targeted killings in countries allied with Ukraine, including the U.S. and EU. They also recruited people to disrupt European civilian and military infrastructure.
theguardian.com
Russia plotting to kill Ukraine allies in US and Europe, FBI says
Intelligence services allegedly attempted to pay people to surveil and kill people perceived to be aligned with Ukraine
12710
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Striking Russian oil refineries is one of Ukraine's strongest moves, but Donald Trump seeks an energy truce (and cheaper diesel). The Counteroffensive gathered latest data and discussed the issue with Ukrainian experts.
counteroffensive.news
Trump's war added 10x more to diesel shock than Ukraine
Donald Trump is trying to lay the blame of your rising energy prices on Ukraine’s doorstep. But an analysis of diesel disruption shows that his Iran war has been far more disruptive.
88118
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Home to 16 cultures, once visited by the Swedish king, Zmiivka village in the southern Ukraine has now lost almost all its residents. Although Russia continues to bomb the village, Roman believes it will thrive again.
counteroffensive.news
Why does Ukraine have a Swedish village?
A small village is home to a dozen cultures and a focal point for both Swedish identity and Russian invaders.
26516
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Yesterday, Russia struck a Kyiv gas station for the 1st time. Today, Russia hit 2 more. Another 18 Kyiv gas stations have been identified as likely targets for Russia. Across Ukraine ~300 stations were attacked since spring.
reuters.com
Russian strikes kill five in Ukraine industrial hub of Pavlohrad
Russian drones pounded central part of the ​industrial city of Pavlohrad in southeastern Ukraine on Thursday, killing five, as well as striking a petrol station in the capital ‌Kyiv and an internation...
1177
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. This summer Ukrainians witnessed a never-ending barrage of Russian ballistic missile and jet-powered drone attacks. Our reporters, Zoriana and Mariana, share how the subway and a school basement replaced their cozy beds.
counteroffensive.news
Why pay rent just to sleep in the metro
For the second month in a row, Russia has been striking the capital almost every night. The Counteroffensive team has been forced underground just like other residents.
24213
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
CNN's Isabelle Chapman spent 18 months investigating why the FBI killed a man in a Mississippi parking lot, and never explained why. Agents eventually came to believe he'd been trying to pass along information, thinking he was helping Ukraine...
1232
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: The EU will allow Ukraine to spend EU loan money on Patriot components. As some deliveries will take years to arrive, Ukraine has asked allies to transfer existing stockpiles in exchange for future Ukrainian weapons.
united24media.com
Ukraine Set to Acquire 1,000 Patriot Missiles With EU Loan
With 1,000 Patriot missiles on order, Ukraine urgently seeks immediate interceptor transfers from allies to counter threats this winter.
3398
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: The UK will give Ukraine a $135 mil air defense package, including Patriots, to protect infrastructure this winter. The UK recently gave Ukraine missile blueprints, while Kyiv gave the UK access to Ukrainian battlefield data.
eurointegration.com.ua
Британія виділяє “зимовий” пакет ППО для України з ракетами до Patriot
Велика Британія виділяє 100 мільйонів фунтів стерлінгів (116 млн євро) на пакет засобів протиповітряної оборони для України напередодні зими, що включає ракети Patriot.
1225
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Russia's military got bigger, but its fighting power didn't. Michael Kofman calls it a paradox: more troops, less usable force. His theory: not a breakthrough. Russia wants to force Ukraine to spread its troops thinner. Unlikely to be game-changing, he says.
1435
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Stepan Tanasiichuk developed a well-known app that notifies people when an air alert is issued. Despite the popularity the app has brought him, Stepan hopes people will stop using it one day.
counteroffensive.news
Why Luke Skywalker announces Russian missiles incoming
The developer behind Ukraine's air alert app — built in a matter of days to save lives — dreams of the day his biggest accomplishment will be a thing of the past.
2477
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Special envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrived in Russia and will visit Kyiv Sunday, hoping to restart talks to end the Ukraine war. The envoys last visited Russia in Jan, but talks stalled following the start of the Iran war.
nytimes.com
Putin Orders Pause in Kyiv Strikes Ahead of Visit by U.S. Envoys
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, arrived in Moscow to meet with the Russian leader. They plan to visit Kyiv next, in an effort to revive peace talks.
3264
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
NEWSFLASH: Russians strike SBU headquarters in Kyiv The strike hit the head of the state security service’s office amid a week of relentless Russian attacks on the capital.
counteroffensive.news
NEWSFLASH: Russians strike SBU headquarters in Kyiv
The strike hit the head of the state security service’s office amid a week of relentless Russian attacks on the capital.
1258
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
NEWSFLASH: Democrats blocking Russia sanctions bill Democrats in the House of Representatives are stalling Lindsey Graham's bill aimed at sanctioning Russia, unwilling to give Trump more power over the economy.
counteroffensive.news
NEWSFLASH: Democrats blocking Russia sanctions bill
Democrats in the House of Representatives are stalling Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions, unwilling to give Trump more power over the American economy.
5277
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Bombing campaigns rarely break a population's will to fight. History backs this up. Michael Kofman, a leading expert on Russia's military, thinks Russia might be repeating a mistake history keeps punishing. Moscow should know this. So why keep doing it?
1324
Reposted by Tim Mak
Terrell Jermaine Starr @terrelljstarr.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Hello, everyone. My mother died and I am taking time to deal with it. But I need your financial support urgently. I need to raise $2500 by tomorrow to cover her post-death expenses. All links in the post. Please read my article. I have a story to share about dealing with family and addiction.
terrellstarr.substack.com
My Mother Died From Alcoholism. Please Learn From My Pain
I need your financial help moving forward
13726
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. In our latest military update we look at Ukraine's advances in the south and how Russian attacks are causing shortages in Ukraine's grocery stores.
counteroffensive.news
Russia can't win war, its own analysts say
Russia is escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities to make up for stagnation on the battlefield.
13714
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A hellish week. 7 days straight of air raid alerts, and Russia's drones got jet engines, faster, harder to catch. I'm live with Michael Kofman, a top expert on Russia's military: can Ukraine's defenses survive this? September 2, 12:00 ET | 17:00 BST | 19:00 EEST RSVP:
open.substack.com
LIVE SOON: Russian jet-drone hell week
Starting Sep 2 at 12:00 PM EDT
13810
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Due to Russian attacks this August, Ukrainian shopping malls were forced to pause operations for a record 21.8% of their working time due to air alerts. In total, malls have lost 166.8 working days due to alerts since 2022.
forbes.ua
Повітряні тривоги в серпні тривали 21,8% робочого часу ТРЦ – дослідження — Forbes.ua
У серпні 2026 року частка повітряних тривог у робочий час ТРЦ в Україні зросла до 21,8%, встановивши новий антирекорд.
1245
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The constant air alarms in Ukraine due to jet powered drones are the latest strategy that Russia has employed. It has real disruptive effects to the economy. For the last week there have been countless air alerts, and larger businesses often shut down for them.
13814
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A few days ago we reported on empty shelves in Kyiv after Russian strikes on civilian logistics. Wanted to give you an update, since things have shifted since then:
1288
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Russia's most recent attacks have relied on fast jet-powered Shahed drones to bypass Ukrainian air defense systems. Now, Ukrainian companies are adapting to develop interceptors capable of defending against these drones.
counteroffensive.news
Five days of terror with Russian jet-powered drones
Here’s how Ukrainian manufacturers are taking on the growing threat of Shahed drones equipped with jet engines: by developing faster interceptor drones.
14615
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: In recent attacks, Russia destroyed around 12 million books by targeting publishing houses and book markets. Ahead of the new school year, Russia has reportedly destroyed a third of the books published in Ukraine this year.
bbc.com
Russian strikes destroy 12 million books in Ukraine ahead of new school year
Ukraine says Russia is deliberately attacking its culture, after strikes on publishers and churches.
33814
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Good morning to readers. Oil prices are at $88,5 per barrel (+0,2% compared to pre-war). In Iran's Dastgerd Prison, jailed activist Mohammad finds hope despite living behind bars. Even as his 2 brothers face execution, he leads excercise and prayer for his fellow inmates.
iranwar.news
How an Iranian political prisoner became a mentor to inmates
As executions of political prisoners in Iran continue, families outside the country live in fear of news from home. In Dastgerd Prison, one political prisoner has turned his own years behind bars into
1335
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Viktor, who has been fighting corruption for more than a decade in the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, reveals what it’s like to take on illicit schemes at the highest levels of government.
counteroffensive.news
Behind the scenes of Ukraine’s top anti-corruption agency
Viktor, a NABU detective with more than 10 years of experience in the bureau, reveals what it’s like to take on illicit schemes at the highest levels of government.
1598
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Patriot interceptor stockpiles in Europe have fallen "beyond critical" levels due to the Iran war, U.S. officials told AP. This affects NATO's ability to defend Europe and Ukraine's ability to shoot down Russian missiles.
apnews.com
Exclusive: US Patriot missile stocks in Europe are 'beyond critical' due to Iran war, officials say
The U.S. military faces a “beyond critical” shortage of advanced missile interceptors in Europe largely driven by President Donald Trump's war with Iran.
14114