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
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
See the reality of the war. Subscribe to The Counteroffensive to discover real stories told straight from Ukraine. Join us! www.counteroffensive.news
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...
020
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
Here's what Petro is listening to today: The Connells - '74-'75
youtu.be
The Connells - '74-'75 (Official Audio)
YouTube video by The Connells
130
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
What happens when a wartime fundraising movement collides with Ukraine’s criminal laws on pornography? Read the full story about the debate over decriminalizing adult content in Ukraine - on The Counteroffensive.
counteroffensive.news
Porn decriminalization to fund the war effort?
Ukraine is one of the few European countries where porn production is illegal. As lawmakers weigh decriminalizing the industry to help refill a war-drained budget, anti-porn activists are worried.
110
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
As Russia launches attacks on Kyiv's bridges, Vladimir Putin brings in the general responsible for the destruction of the Syrian city of Aleppo. This comes as Russia steps up its attacks on civilians in Ukraine.
telegraph.co.uk
120
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
Ukraine has struck a major data center in Russia, belonging to tech giant Yandex.   The attack comes after Russia targeted Ukrainian datacenters, aiming to bring big cities offline.
reuters.com
Drones hit Yandex site in first major attack on Russian data hub
Drones hit a data centre owned by Russia's Yandex , the country's ​leading AI and technology company said on Thursday, in the first major attack on a Russian data hub since the ‌start of the war with ...
120
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 15m
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:  U.S. and Russia top officials have discussed bringing an American investor into the Nord Stream pipeline. Jared Kushner believes business is key to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
reuters.com
EXCLUSIVE: US, Russia explore gas sale to Europe amid Ukraine war, say sources
Top Russian and US officials, including Special Envoy Jared Kushner, have held talks about bringing a US investor into the Nord Stream pipelines that delivered gas to Germany before Russia invaded Ukr...
241
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
We report from Ukraine not because it’s safe — but because it matters. Help us stay protected, fight apathy, and keep foreign attention on the war. Support our work!
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...
0110
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Here’s what Daria is listening to today:
youtube.com
Savage Garden - To The Moon & Back (Extended Version)
YouTube video by SavageGardenVEVO
140
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
What happens when a wartime fundraising movement collides with Ukraine’s criminal laws on pornography? Read the full story on Sofya Owl, TerOnlyFans and the debate over decriminalizing adult content in Ukraine - on The Counteroffensive.
counteroffensive.news
Porn decriminalization to fund the war effort?
Ukraine is one of the few European countries where porn production is illegal. As lawmakers weigh decriminalizing the industry to help refill a war-drained budget, anti-porn activists are worried.
130
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Latvia’s Minister of Internal Affairs states armed escorts threatened Latvian soldiers while bringing migrants toward the border from Belarus. Hours later masked people entered Latvia and stole cameras before returning to Belarus.
x.com
162
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
WHO asked Russia for information on the cause of severe pneumonia among laboratory workers and the pathogen that prompted public health measures in Russia. But Russia said they have shared all available information.
reuters.com
Russia says plague institute worker's death does not risk an epidemic
Russia's health regulator said on Wednesday ​there were no risks of an epidemic breaking out in Siberia after a plague institute worker there died, as the World Health ‌Organization pressed Moscow for...
140
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Bulgaria’s Defense Minister says he is “unsure” whether Russia or Ukraine struck two merchant vessels in the Black Sea. He called it a deliberate attack that draws Bulgaria into the “hybrid war” between the two.
bgnes.bg
Стоянов: Все още не може да кажем дали дроновете, ударили двата кораба, са украински или руски
Не можем да потвърдим дали дроновете, ударили двата кораба в Черно море, са украински или руски. Това заяви пред бТВ министърът на отбраната Димитър Стоянов. Трябва да намерим отломките от
1153
Reposted by Tim Mak
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine may decriminalize porn to boost its budget, but critics warn it could lead to exploitation. But it would be transformative for Sofya, an OnlyFans creator who has used the platform to raise money for the military.
counteroffensive.news
Porn decriminalization to fund the war effort?
Ukraine is one of the few European countries where porn production is illegal. As lawmakers weigh decriminalizing the industry to help refill a war-drained budget, anti-porn activists are worried.
24410
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Information that turns into action.​ Your donations provide our Ukrainian reporters with bullet proof vests, helmets, medicine, and emergency power packs.​ Get involved at www.counteroffensive.news
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...
061
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
CAT OF CONFLICT: Ally’s Compot the cat feels extremely exhausted after the latest strikes on Kyiv.
1183
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
U.S. SEEKS UPDATES ON UNKNOWN PLAGUE OUTBREAK IN RUSSIA: Trump administration is closely monitoring the possible pneumonic plague outbreak in Russia’s far east, The Washington Post reports.
washingtonpost.com
U.S. officials seeking details of reported Russian plague death, quarantines
Officials said they need to learn more about the evolving situation before determining the potential threat to the United States.
171
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
SOUTH KOREA SUPPLIES FUEL TO RUSSIA: In July and August, South Korea shipped more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel to Russia, using seven tankers, three of which are under U.S. and EU sanctions an investigation by The Guardian reveals.
theguardian.com
Fuel from South Korea being shipped to Russia as Ukraine war grinds on
Exclusive: Guardian analysis finds more than 150,000 tonnes of fuel was shipped to Russian ports in July and August, some using sanctioned tankers
1107
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR: HUNGARY IS SET TO DROP THE VETO ON UKRAINE’S ENTRY TO EU: Budapest will not block the transition to the next clusters of accession into the European Union for Ukraine and Moldova, according to the Financial Times.
ft.com
Hungary set to drop veto on Ukraine and Moldova EU bid progress
Also in this newsletter: Singapore’s Temasek to invest in EU scale-up fund
22810
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
What happens when a wartime fundraising movement collides with Ukraine’s criminal laws on pornography? Read the full story on Sofya Owl, TerOnlyFans and the debate over decriminalizing adult content in Ukraine - on The Counteroffensive.
counteroffensive.news
Porn decriminalization to fund the war effort?
Ukraine is one of the few European countries where porn production is illegal. As lawmakers weigh decriminalizing the industry to help refill a war-drained budget, anti-porn activists are worried.
182
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
At first glance, it could be a typical wartime volunteering story — except Sofya could go to prison. People donated to her in exchange for her nude photos, which makes her a criminal under Ukrainian law.
170
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
KYIV, Ukraine – Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Sofya Owl, who goes by her pseudonym, has helped raise around $78,000 for the Ukrainian military. With her help, servicemen received on-time pickup trucks, medical supplies for evacuations, thermal imagers, and strike drones.
181
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine may decriminalize porn to boost its budget, but critics warn it could lead to exploitation. But it would be transformative for Sofya, an OnlyFans creator who has used the platform to raise money for the military.
counteroffensive.news
Porn decriminalization to fund the war effort?
Ukraine is one of the few European countries where porn production is illegal. As lawmakers weigh decriminalizing the industry to help refill a war-drained budget, anti-porn activists are worried.
24410
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Amplify the voices living in the shadows of war. Follow our newsletter at www.counteroffensive.news
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...
060
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Here’s what Mariana is listening to today:
music.youtube.com
Хованки (2026)
YouTube video by Tember Blanche - Topic
130
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Many young men in Ukraine are leaving the country at war, with the army struggling to fill its ranks. Read the story of Petro, who could have fled and built a new life in Europe, but instead, he chose to come back.
counteroffensive.news
Why I returned from Germany ready to fight
While Russia mobilizes more troops to continue the war, many young Ukrainians are fleeing the country to avoid conscription. Petro had the chance to do the same but chose to come back.
191
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Estonia relocates a brigade closer to the Russian border. With the First Brigade deployed 50 km from Russia, Estonia would be able to strike targets in Russia. Estonia believes Russia could enact hybrid attacks on its territory to test NATO’s resolve.
ft.com
Estonia shifts troops closer to Russia in ‘active defence’ push
Baltic state prepares to carry out deep strikes inside its neighbour if it is attacked
184
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Poland and Romania refused to increase transit of Ukrainian grain through their territories. Ukraine has trouble exporting grain due to the Black Sea blockade, threatening global food security. Ukraine’s neighbours can’t help without putting their own farmers at disadvantage.
politico.eu
EU neighbors shun Kyiv’s plea to free trapped grain
Poland and Romania said there’s nothing more they can do to help Ukraine export its grain through Europe, as the blockade in the Black Sea continues.
184
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Ukrainian train reserves are almost depleted after Russian attacks on railways. Ukraine is now looking to Europe whose railways have the same track gauge as Ukraine’s to supply additional rolling stock.
ft.com
Russia’s new drive to crush Ukraine
Moscow’s relentless offensive on cities and ports has halted the country’s grain exports, severing an economic lifeline
1347
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Captivated by this story? Without your support, these stories can’t be told! Engage with us through the link.
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...
081
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
CAT OF CONFLICT: Petro’s acquaintance traveled abroad for a week, so she left Atos in Petro’s and his girlfriend’s care. Originally from Donbas, this cat doesn’t care about explosions or gunshots. He is scared of trains, though.
1402
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
THE U.S. AND RUSSIA ARE DISCUSSING A MULTI-BILLION DEAL AS PART OF NEGOTIATIONS ON UKRAINE: The U.S. and Russia are discussing a large-scale oil deal worth tens of billions of dollars as part of consultations aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine.
nytimes.com
U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Now Involve an Oil Deal Tied to Trump Allies
President Vladimir V. Putin brought up a sale of Russian energy assets with President Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, pushing a deal that raises new questions about conflicts of inter...
173
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
ORBAN MAY FACE TRIAL FOR THE RAID ON OSCHADBANK CASH COLLECTORS: The investigation into the detention of Ukrainian Oschadbank cash collectors in Hungary in March 2026 could become the first case in which former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces formal charges.
ft.com
Hungary’s new government goes after Viktor Orbán
‘Operation Cleansing Fire’ probes former prime minister’s role in seizure of Ukrainian cash and gold
1127
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR: WESTERN DIPLOMATS HAVE NO PLANS TO LEAVE KYIV: Western diplomats plan to remain in Kyiv, but are considering contingency plans in case of an emergency, according to The Guardian.
theguardian.com
‘The enemy is tearing our city apart’: terror in Kyiv as Russia ramps up attacks
Mayor Vitali Klitschko says Kyivans can no longer pretend it is ‘peacetime’ amid strikes on school, hospital and bridge
173
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Want to know more about why Perto decided to come back to Ukraine? Read the full story via the link.
counteroffensive.news
Why I returned from Germany ready to fight
While Russia mobilizes more troops to continue the war, many young Ukrainians are fleeing the country to avoid conscription. Petro had the chance to do the same but chose to come back.
172
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
He is now almost 24 and plans to join the military when he turns 25 years old, the age of conscription in Ukraine. He still has a year left, so he is currently looking for a place to serve while preparing himself, both physically and mentally.
161
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Perto wrote these words in his notes in the fall of 2025. It marked a turning point in his life, after he had sacrificed his first love and a chance for a safe life in Europe to come back and live under constant Russian strikes in Kyiv.
191
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
“I can’t. Simply can’t. I can’t bring myself to sacrifice my own dignity for a ‘steady family life.’ I can’t stand by abroad, living my own egotistical life…”
181
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Many young men in Ukraine are leaving the country at war, with the army struggling to fill its ranks. Petro could also flee the country and build a new life in Europe. Instead, he chose to come back.
counteroffensive.news
Why I returned from Germany ready to fight
While Russia mobilizes more troops to continue the war, many young Ukrainians are fleeing the country to avoid conscription. Petro had the chance to do the same but chose to come back.
57716
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Commanders expected it to fail, but it didn't, and infantry secured the position afterwards.
0172
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Today is Defenders Day in Ukraine. Many of the people defending the country now do it from behind a screen. In December 2024, one Ukrainian unit carried out the first all-drone assault on Russian positions. Around 30 ground and aerial drones, each with its own pilot, attacked a fortified line.
counteroffensive.news
Inside the first ever all-drone assault by Ukraine
The Counteroffensive is the first to give a detailed play-by-play of a major milestone in military drone history. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at its planning, execution and impact on future wars.
1356
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Information that turns into action.​ Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.​ Get involved: www.counteroffensive.news
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...
071
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Here’s what Daria is listening to today: Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
youtube.com
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah (Official Video - Live at Bearsville)
YouTube video by jeffbuckleyVEVO
2101
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Missed our latest story about what’s behind the rising tensions between Poland and Ukraine? Read it here:
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.
161
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Latvian PM Andris Kulbergs’ party United List is leading polls ahead of Saturday’s parliamentary election. The pro-Ukraine leader’s party is unlikely to win an outright majority, meaning it would need to form a coalition.
reuters.com
Latvia's pro-Ukraine prime minister leads in poll ahead of Saturday election
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centrist United List is expected to win the largest share of seats in Saturday's parliamentary election but is unlikely to secure an outright majority and will ...
192
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Ukraine urges U.S. sanctions on entities developing Rassvet, Russia’s alternative to Starlink. Deputy chief of mission at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, Denys Sienik, warned the satellite network could enable real-time strikes on Ukrainian targets.
reuters.com
Ukraine urges US to sanction entities supporting Russia's Starlink rival
Ukraine is urging the United States to impose ​sanctions on several Russian entities that it says are helping develop Moscow's Rassvet satellite network as a domestic alternative to ‌SpaceX's Starlink...
1101
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: The Pentagon excluded the UK, France and the Baltic states from the NATO meeting in Poland next month. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously warned that allies not supporting U.S. interests would face consequences.
politico.com
Pentagon excludes key allies from NATO meeting
Some of Europe’s biggest defense spenders — and U.S. allies — were not invited to a Pentagon-led meeting to discuss the alliance.
53518
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Curious for more untold stories from Ukraine? Join our 150k community from all around the world in supporting groundbreaking journalism Follow along!
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.
0124
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Here's what Petro is listening to today:
youtu.be
Rise Against - Satellite
YouTube video by RiseAgainstVEVO
162
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Missed our latest story about what’s behind the rising tensions between Poland and Ukraine? Read it here:
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.
173
Tim Mak @timkmak.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The constant air alerts are costing Ukraine $45 million per hour of business shutdown, according to the Ukrainian minister of economy.  Russia has escalated the disruption of civilian life in Kyiv, with air alerts reaching more than fifteen hours in a day in September.
radiosvoboda.org
Повітряні тривоги коштують Україні 45 млн доларів за кожну годину зупинки бізнесу – міністр економіки
За словами міністра, через російські удари значні сектори економіки України змушені постійно зупиняти роботу, оскільки працівники йдуть в укриття, а сирени можуть лунати до 10 годин на добу
1115