Tim Mak

Founder, The Counteroffensive Media Group.

Compelling reporting on human stories to illustrate the news. Fmr US Army medic.

https://linktr.ee/counteroffensivenews

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Last Notes

2026-10-21 13:54:05 UTC

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Elon Musk is behind the speed restrictions on Starlinks in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal revealed, citing U.S. officials.
Musk allegedly discussed this decision with White House officials, including Trump. Both the White House and Musk denied ordering the Starlink slowdown.
https://www.wsj.com/world/ukraine-starlink-elon-musk-trump-dbc49193?mod=world_lead_pos4

2026-10-21 13:53:47 UTC

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Russia resumes shipping diesel to Turkey and Brazil. The tankers carry 300,000-barrel diesel cargoes each.
The volumes of Russian diesel export, which Trump agreed to, are modest, but can be scaled up to 3.5 million tons per month.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russian-diesel-returns-familiar-destinations-following-export-ban-lift-shipping-2026-10-20/

2026-10-20 22:03:58 UTC

“We've given a lot to Ukraine. They've given nothing to us." — Trump, yesterday.
In 2003, when Germany and France refused to send troops to Iraq, more than 1,600 Ukrainian soldiers went at Washington's request, but 18 of them never came home.
Video: U.S. Network Pool via AP
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/117/475/495/448/493/272/original/0c2288a2f16eed97.mp4

2026-10-20 16:14:05 UTC

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Feel like the world’s gone silent on Ukraine?
We haven’t. Neither should you.
Get the stories that matter!
https://www.counteroffensive.news/

2026-10-20 16:13:31 UTC

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DOG OF WAR:
This stray dog waited patiently for someone in front of the entrance of one of Kyiv’s supermarkets.
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/117/474/118/257/716/279/original/d89d5a3a5b88702b.png

2026-10-20 16:12:41 UTC

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RUSSIANS CAN’T ACCESS THEIR MONEY AFTER UKRAINE HITS DATA CENTERS:
After Ukrainian #drones struck data centers of Russian internet giant Yandex, many Russians had their ordinary lives disrupted, having been unable to access their bank accounts.
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/russia/russia-ukraine-yandex-data-centers-attacks-trump-rcna602753

2026-10-20 16:11:25 UTC

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#WITKOFF AND #ZELENSKYY HEAD TO NORWAY, FOR A NEW ROUND OF TALKS:
Trump’s special envoy Witkoff and Zelenskyy will travel to Oslo this week to once again discuss the war ending in Ukraine. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will attend the meetings virtually due to a sickness.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-officials-plan-travel-norway-ukraine-talks-sources-say-2026-10-19/

2026-10-20 16:09:48 UTC

THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION WITHHOLDS PATRIOT MISSILES FOR UKRAINE:
Washington has delayed the transfer of Patriot #interceptor #missiles, a move that coincided with President Trump’s turn to Russia in recent days, The Washington Post reports.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/19/amid-deteriorating-relations-washington-holds-up-patriots-kyiv/

2026-10-01 13:45:12 UTC

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Information that turns into action.
Our readers provide Ukrainian reporters with armor, medicine, and emergency power.
Get involved:
https://www.counteroffensive.news/

2026-10-01 13:44:17 UTC

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Here’s what Daria is listening to today:
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4

2026-10-01 13:43:44 UTC

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Missed our latest story about what’s behind the rising tensions between Poland and Ukraine?
Read it here:
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/do-poles-really-hate-ukrainians

2026-10-01 13:43:00 UTC

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#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.
https://www.reuters.com/world/latvias-pro-ukraine-prime-minister-leads-poll-ahead-saturday-election-2026-09-30/

2026-10-01 13:42:31 UTC

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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.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraine-urges-us-sanction-entities-supporting-russias-starlink-rival-2026-09-30/

2026-10-01 13:42:00 UTC

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.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/30/trump-nato-allies-left-out-01100310

2026-09-24 20:41:31 UTC

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.
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/117/327/952/470/937/509/original/62cb79e22907bf61.mp4

2026-09-23 13:52:03 UTC

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Missed our latest story where we war-gamed an alternative universe in which ‘Black Hawk Down’ happened today?
How does the era of cheap drones, EW and social media impact any given battle?
Read it here: https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/what-if-somali-militias-had-drones

2026-09-23 13:51:41 UTC

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#Lithuania's parliament supported removing the constitutional ban on deploying #weapons of mass destruction and hosting foreign military bases, which would allow #NATO to station and deploy #nuclear weapons in the country.
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/3060405/lithuania-s-seimas-backs-move-to-remove-constitutional-ban-on-nuclear-weapons

2026-09-23 13:51:03 UTC

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#Russia has circumvented #sanctions and moved $6.9 bln through international banks, with the help of a Kremlin-backed #fintech company operating with forged documents.
This allowed the company to become part of the global financial system.
https://www.ft.com/content/3848a4ad-1426-4352-ba86-ef1279c4ffd1?syn-25a6b1a6=1

2026-09-23 13:50:33 UTC

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.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-22/eu-tells-ukraine-to-bolster-rule-of-law-before-it-gets-more-aid

2026-09-19 13:12:51 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russias-poorest-regions-thrive-on

2026-09-15 13:32:49 UTC

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#UKRAINE HESITANT ABOUT ENERGY TRUCE WITH #RUSSIA: Politico quoted Donald #Trump saying that Ukraine and Russia agreed to stop exchanging strikes on energy infrastructure on Monday.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukraine-russia-strikes-energy-volodymyr-zelenskyy/

2026-09-15 13:31:34 UTC

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THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
#US PUT NEW SANCTIONS ON #RUSSIAN BANK FOR TIES WITH #Iran : On Monday, the U.S. tightened sanctions on Russia’s second-largest bank, VTB, Reuters reported.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-imposes-iran-related-sanctions-russias-vtb-2026-09-14/

2026-09-15 13:30:06 UTC

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Ahead of the #US midterm #elections and rising prices at home, the unpopular president is trying to argue that the real bogeyman is Ukraine’s pesky strikes on #Russian oil infrastructure. But our estimates show that his #war in Iran has had a ~10x greater disruption in diesel supply.
Want to know details? Visit our website through the link
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-war-added-10x-more-to-diesel

2026-09-15 13:29:09 UTC

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#Trump is trying to blame #Ukraine for his domestic political woes.
It’s hard to compare apples to apples here. But an analysis by The Counteroffensive shows that the Iran War’s disruption to world energy markets – and in particular diesel – is an order of magnitude larger than the impact of Ukraine’s long-range strikes.

2026-09-15 13:28:32 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/trumps-war-added-10x-more-to-diesel

2026-09-12 13:37:24 UTC

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HOUSE OF #REPRESENTATIVES TO VOTE ON NEW SANCTIONS AGAINST #RUSSIA: Next week, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a bill to impose more #sanctions against Russia, particularly on the Russian financial sector and energy exports.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-11/russia-sanctions-bill-scheduled-for-a-us-house-vote-next-week

2026-09-12 13:36:55 UTC

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THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
#RUSSIAN AND #CHINESE HACKERS ATTEMPTED TO USE CLAUDE FOR CYBERATTACK: Anthropic exposed and blocked hacking groups from Russia and China that were attempting to exploit #Claude. The attackers used artificial intelligence to create biological weapons, munitions and weapons systems.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/anthropic-disrupts-russian-chinese-ai-campaigns-targeting-its-claude-models-2026-09-10/

2026-09-12 13:36:21 UTC

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If you want to know more, read our latest story on our website via the link.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russia-destroyed-swedish-village

2026-09-12 13:36:06 UTC

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In the shade of a lush mulberry tree, the villagers came here together to celebrate #Easter and Trinity Sunday, cooked fish soup for everyone to mark the #Fishermen’s Day in mid-July, and played volleyball at a nearby court on summer evenings. Even in winter, it was buzzing with life.

2026-09-12 13:35:36 UTC

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His favorite place, though, was a green ravine on the outskirts.

2026-09-12 13:35:16 UTC

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On the main street, three churches — one #Greek Catholic, one Orthodox, one Protestant — welcomed parishioners whether they were locals including the Swedes, #Germans, and Boykos from western #Ukraine, or occasional foreigners from faraway lands who ended up in southern Ukraine.

2026-09-12 13:34:44 UTC

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Roman Mykhaltsov remembers the peaceful days in his home village of #Zmiivka in the #Kherson region like it was yesterday. Every house was a feast for the eyes, with white walls, tidy yards, and blooming orchards.

2026-09-12 13:33:52 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russia-destroyed-swedish-village

2026-09-10 14:37:17 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-pay-rent-just-to-sleep-in-the

2026-09-08 16:25:23 UTC

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Since August 31, #NATO fighter jets have taken off three times after #Russian aircraft violated NATO airspace.
#Russia has increased its violations of NATO airspace, which has raised concern over a possible Russian #attack on neighboring NATO member states.
https://kam.lt/reagavimo-i-orlaiviu-skrydzius-prie-baltijos-valstybiu-sienu-duomenys-rugpjucio-31-rugsejo-6-d/

2026-09-08 16:24:31 UTC

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As the rate of domestic violence rises in #Russia, Russia's #MoD is angling to take back a portion of sign-up bonuses from servicemen who break the law.
This comes as Russia seeks to combat rising crime rates, as servicemen, some of whom are former convicts, return home.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-strip-contract-soldiers-one-off-payment-if-laws-violated-home-2026-09-08/

2026-09-08 16:23:44 UTC

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.
https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/09/8/7245001/

2026-09-05 13:08:08 UTC

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About 50 officials of the U.S. military's Joint Staff underwent polygraph tests, following media reports that the Iran war has caused a critical #weapons shortage.
An unprecedented investigation was launched to find the source of the #media leaks.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/us/politics/pentagon-staff-polygraph-tests.html

2026-09-05 13:07:38 UTC

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.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/05/world/europe/russia-ukraine-witkoff-kushner-moscow.html

2026-09-03 14:06:58 UTC

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#DOG OF WAR:
Terra was found by her owner at a #pet shelter in the #Kyiv region and brought to her forever home.
Despite the bullet stuck in her body, Terra looks happy and seems to enjoy catching rays.
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/117/207/492/746/671/737/original/ebc15af0469108cb.png

2026-09-03 14:05:57 UTC

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#MOSCOW AIRPORTS WARY OF #UKRAINIAN #DRONE THREAT:
Three airports in Moscow suspended operations Wednesday night. The airports of Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo imposed restrictions for two nights in a row. In total, 329 flights were delayed and 43 were cancelled.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/09/03/8051662/

2026-09-03 14:05:10 UTC

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#UKRAINE NEGOTIATES WITH U.S. ON #PATRIOT PRODUCTION LICENSE:
In an interview on the Today Show, Marco #Rubio said that the U.S. is currently in talks with Ukraine regarding granting licenses to allow for the Ukrainian production of Patriot air defense #missiles.
https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/09/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-with-brian-kilmeade-on-the-brian-kilmeade-show/

2026-09-03 14:04:19 UTC

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THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
#NORWAY SEIZED #RUSSIAN SHIP TO SECURE $4.2 BLN FOR #UKRAINE:
On September 2, Norway stopped a Russian commercial vessel off the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation claim for Naftogaz, a Ukrainian oil and gas company.
https://www.reuters.com/world/norway-seizes-russian-ship-over-naftogaz-award-company-says-2026-09-02/

2026-09-03 14:03:09 UTC

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Read the full military analysis by The Counteroffensive for free: https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russia-cant-win-war-its-own-analysts

2026-09-03 14:02:22 UTC

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The last week of August was especially brutal, as #Russia relentlessly bombed #Kyiv seven days in a row.
In our August military update, we highlight the most important developments, explain how #Russia is shooting down #Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo #missiles, why #Ukraine continues targeting #Russian retailers, and how Ukrainians have been quietly liberating villages in the South.

2026-09-03 14:01:23 UTC

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KYIV, Ukraine – The #military situation changed less on the frontline and more behind it in the last month of summer, with #Russia continuing its “terror bombing” attacks on #Ukrainian cities as its troops are unable to advance on the #battlefield.

2026-09-03 14:00:39 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russia-cant-win-war-its-own-analysts

2026-09-01 13:47:11 UTC

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#TRUMP INVITES #RUSSIA TO #G20 MEETING:
The Trump administration invited Russia’s Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, to the G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, Politico report. The decision was opposed by #EU officials, who also refused to take a photo with Siluanov. This is the first time Russia attended the forum in person since 2022.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/31/bessent-welcomes-russia-back-to-g20-as-europe-pushes-back-01058296

2026-09-01 13:46:23 UTC

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#RUSSIA TRIES TO OVERWHELM #UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: Russia started Operation Postman in May, sending complaints to Ukrainian government agencies and law enforcements, RBC-Ukraine reported.
Russians use personal information of real Ukrainians and send emails with complaints on their behalf. They base complaints on issues existing in Ukrainian society with the aim of overwhelming the bureaucratic system and feigning public discontent.
https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/spetsoperatsiya-pochtalon-rosiya-pochala-1788182216.html

2026-09-01 13:45:27 UTC

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#POLAND RAMPS UP DOMESTIC #DEFENSE PRODUCTION:
Poland spent $8.15 billion on defence procurement from Polish companies and joint ventures with central European countries last year — four times more than in 2022, according to Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/poland-pivots-home-grown-defence-production-it-builds-europes-biggest-army-2026-09-01/

2026-09-01 13:44:48 UTC

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THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS TO BE SCALED DOWN: Celebrations marking the start of the school year, which begins on September 1, will be held only if the security situation allows it, Ukraine’s PM announced.
https://suspilne.media/1392242-risenna-sodo-provedenna-urocistostej-z-nagodi-1-veresna-maut-uhvaluvati-sami-gromadi-koreckij/

2026-09-01 13:44:11 UTC

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In this issue, The Counteroffensive breaks down how #Ukrainian manufacturers are taking on the growing threat of #Shahed #drones equipped with jet engines.
If you want to know more, read our full story:
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/five-days-of-terror-with-russian

2026-09-01 13:43:01 UTC

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Over the past five days, Russians have been launching mostly #jet-powered #Shaheds one after another.
As a result there were more than 10 air raid alerts each day in #Kyiv, accompanied by #explosions and the sounds of air defense systems operating.

2026-09-01 13:42:22 UTC

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KYIV, Ukraine - #Russians are constantly adapting their tactics to inflict as much damage as possible on #Ukrainian cities while keeping civilians in fear and tension.

2026-09-01 13:41:52 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/five-days-of-terror-with-russian

2026-08-29 13:28:47 UTC

CAT OF CONFLICT:
“The best package is a kitten,” said Ally, who spotted this cutie in #Kyiv.
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/117/179/028/882/430/679/original/e03f700bf4d1f840.jpeg

2026-08-29 13:26:36 UTC

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#GASOLINE PRODUCTION IN #RUSSIA HAS FALLEN TO 70% DUE TO DRONE ATTACKS: Attack drones have shut down major oil refineries in Perm, Nizhny Novgorod, and Yaroslavl, reducing Russia’s gasoline output to 70% of market demand by the end of August, according to Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russias-gasoline-output-drops-70-domestic-demand-late-august-after-drone-attacks-2026-08-28/

2026-08-29 13:26:13 UTC

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#FEDOROV APPOINTED TO ADVISOR ON INNOVATION TO THE #ITALIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE: Former Ukrainian #Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has taken up the position of advisor on military technology at the Italian Ministry of Defense. The head of the ministry, Guido Crozetto, described him as a key driver of military innovation.
https://www.politico.eu/article/mykhailo-fedorov-adviser-italy-defense-minister-guido-crosetto/

2026-08-29 13:25:44 UTC

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THE LATEST NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
#RUSSIANS STRIKE AMMO DEPOT IN #KYIV REGION AGAIN: Russia struck an ammunition depot near Kyiv with a drone, causing large-scale explosions to follow. As of 2pm on August 29, 37 people are known to have been killed, and dozens wounded.
https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c3d7x912rjjo

2026-08-29 13:25:19 UTC

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Want to know more? Read our story via the link.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/behind-the-scenes-of-ukraines-top

2026-08-29 13:25:05 UTC

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The need for #NABU is perhaps clearer now than ever, after the bureau’s work recently exposed corruption involving officials in #President Zelensky’s office.

2026-08-29 13:24:45 UTC

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Situated in a former #Soviet military appliance factory, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (#NABU) plays a vital role in steering the country toward a more promising path of development and getting rid of corruption, which is the second-largest problem for Ukraine only after the war with #Russia.

2026-08-29 13:24:21 UTC

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“My wife pushed me to apply. ‘It’s your thing,’ she said. ‘Because you’re just,” Viktor recalled.

2026-08-29 13:24:08 UTC

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Originally a regional prosecutor, he confesses it was actually his wife who pushed him to join the newly created #anticorruption bureau back in 2015.

2026-08-29 13:23:50 UTC

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#Kyiv, #Ukraine — Viktor Yarema has spent the past decade working out of an old #Soviet building to eradicate all traces of one of the Soviet Union’s worst legacies: corruption.

2026-08-29 13:23:05 UTC

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.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/behind-the-scenes-of-ukraines-top

2026-08-25 18:56:56 UTC

A man is shot dead by #FBI agents outside a Mississippi motel. No name given. No explanation for why they were following him or why they opened fire.
That's the case CNN's Isabelle Chapman spent 18 months digging into.
She’ll walk me through the details of the #investigation—and how she debunked the mystery—tomorrow.
August 26, 12:00 ET | 17:00 BST | 19:00 EEST (Kyiv)
Join us live: https://open.substack.com/live-stream/335252

2026-08-20 13:15:15 UTC

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As part of a massive attack across #Ukraine, #Russia struck a border crossing between Ukraine's southern Odesa region and #Moldova.
During the attack Russia also targeted infrastructure in the Chernihiv and #Odesa regions and, in Kyiv, the attack took the lives of 15 people.
https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/20452

2026-08-20 13:14:29 UTC

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Wheat buyers across the world are preparing for shortages as attacks in the Black Sea disrupt grain shipments.
This is especially concerning as 30-50% of wheat imports to Asia were scheduled to arrive July to Sept, with many buyers fearing they may no longer arrive.
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/global-wheat-buyers-brace-supply-squeeze-amid-black-sea-attacks-2026-08-20/

2026-08-20 13:13:58 UTC

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Yesterday, the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential office, Iryna Mudra, was fired after coming under investigation by NABU.
She is accused of committing fraud when she bailed out the former justice minister in June.
https://suspilne.media/1383092-kudi-im-skazut-voni-budut-nositi-u-comu-nabu-pidozrue-irinu-mudru-maksima-mikitasa-j-menedzeriv-sense-bank/

2026-08-02 14:23:21 UTC

Good #morning to readers. #Oil #prices are at $87.25 per #barrel (+19.7% compared to pre-war).
#Jordan isn't at #war. But Hamza, a #travel agent in #Petra, is watching tourists cancel their #trips and witnessing how #Iran 's war is bankrupting Jordan.
https://www.iranwar.news/p/the-travel-agent-fighting-for-jordans

2026-07-21 13:25:10 UTC

Here’s what The #Counteroffensive is reading today:
In July, #Russia launched more #missiles on Ukraine than it can produce per month.
Russia appears to be reaching into its missile stockpile. The number of drones Russia is launching at #Ukraine has decreased compared to June.
https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-19-2026/

2026-07-18 15:17:58 UTC

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DOG OF #war
On Thursday, Oleksandra met this little #dog at the #protest . When #society wants change, not even dogs will stay on the sidelines.
https://assets.journa.host/media_attachments/files/116/941/642/646/009/367/original/70bcc2ffe743e3d2.png

2026-07-18 15:17:08 UTC

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THE MAJORITY OF #poles OPPOSE ACCEPTING #ukrainian #refugees : The Center for Public Opinion Research (CBOS), a #polish polling #institute, published a #poll on July 17 revealing that, for the first time since 2014, 52% of Poles oppose accepting Ukrainian refugees.
https://unn.ua/en/news/in-poland-for-the-first-time-a-majority-of-citizens-opposed-accepting-ukrainian-refugees-poll

2026-07-18 15:16:06 UTC

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#HUNGARY BLOCKS UKRAINE’S #eu ACCESSION, AGAIN: On #july 17, at a #meeting of the EU #COELA, Hungary once again blocked the opening of #negotiating clusters 2 and 3 for #ukraine a crucial step in the EU #accession process, but agreed to support negotiating cluster 3 for #moldova .
https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/07/17/7241831/

2026-07-18 15:14:56 UTC

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UKRAINE’S #STRIKES ON #RUSSIAN #oil HIT U.S. #CONSUMERS: According to #axios Ukraine’s #attacks on Russian oil #refineries have caused an #economic shock now being experienced by #american consumers.
https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/russia-diesel-oil-drones

2026-07-18 13:23:38 UTC

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THE #latestnews AT THIS HOUR:
THIRD DAY OF #protests IN #ukraine : On #july 16 and 17, #ukrainians took to the #streets in #Kyiv and other cities following #president Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss #defense #minister Mykhailo #Fedorov .
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/07/17/8044510/

2026-07-18 13:19:13 UTC

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Explore what human-centered #war #reporting looks like
Stay tuned to #TheCounteroffensive
Catch our #newsletters through the link
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-conscription-pushes-women-into

2026-07-18 13:18:33 UTC

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"Yes, how can I #help you?" Natalia continued the conversation patiently, although she was growing #irritated . She knew what would be said next.
"Isn't there a male #mechanic the man asked, confirming her #prediction .

2026-07-18 13:17:44 UTC

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"Yes, how can I #help you?" She stepped out from behind the #car to greet the #customer .
His face showed #confusion as he looked around and asked, "Is there a #mechanic here?"

2026-07-18 13:17:02 UTC

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"Is anyone there?" Natalia heard a deep #male #voice . She could only see the stranger’s boots peeking out from under the #hood of the red #Sedan . Still, she knew exactly how the #conversation would unfold. She had replayed it hundreds of times over the past year.

2026-07-18 13:15:56 UTC

Good #morning to readers; #kyiv remains in #ukrainian hands.
Natalia works as an #car #mechanic a male-dominated field she would likely have never chosen on her own.
However, when her #husband left for #war Natalia, like many #ukrainian women, had to step up.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-conscription-pushes-women-into

2026-07-12 13:33:36 UTC

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#SENATOR LINDSEY #GRAHAM HAS #DIED: On July 12, U.S. Senator from #South #Carolina #Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71 following a sudden #illness.
Graham served in #Congress for more than 30 years and was known for advocating for isolating #Tehran
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/12/lindsey-graham-longtime-south-carolina-senator-dies-71/

2026-07-12 13:32:21 UTC

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THE LATEST #NEWS AT THIS HOUR:
U.S. AND #IRAN LAUNCH MORE #STRIKES: In the early hours of #July 12, the #IRGC attacked a Cyprus-flagged #container #ship in the #StraitOfHormuz , causing it to stop due to an onboard fire.
https://abcnews.com/International/live-updates/iran-live-updates-thousands-throng-tehran-streets-khamenei?id=134509610&entryId=134683398

2026-07-12 13:31:35 UTC

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Feel like the world’s gone #silent on #Iran?
We haven’t. Neither should you.
Get the #stories that still matter
https://www.iranwar.news/p/even-irans-childrens-authors-are

2026-07-12 13:31:18 UTC

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One of Iran's most #respected children’s #authors spent her life #writing stories about #hope. And now, after years of #protests, #repression and two #wars in less than a year, she said she no longer knows how to write about the #future

2026-07-12 13:30:46 UTC

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The well-known #Iranian #children’s #writer chuckled sarcastically, looking at the #remnants of her previous #life.
‘Will there even be a #home left to #return to?’ she thought.
For #decades, Niloofar created #fairy worlds full of #kindness, #beauty and tomorrow.

2026-07-12 13:30:07 UTC

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Niloofar* emptied her #emergency backpack onto the floor: a #passport, prescribed #medications, a toothbrush, a change of #clothes, and documents proving #ownership of her home.

2026-07-12 13:29:37 UTC

Good morning to readers. #Oil #prices are at $76.15 per #barrel (+4.5% compared to pre-war).
Niloofar spent her #life writing #stories for #Iranian #children, whom she hoped would inherit a better #future.
But then she fled #Iran - and no longer knows how to #write about the future.
https://www.iranwar.news/p/even-irans-childrens-authors-are

2026-07-08 15:38:41 UTC

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Donald #Trump said Wednesday he may allow #Ukraine to produce desperately needed #Patriot interceptor missiles.

2026-07-08 15:37:38 UTC

#NEWSFLASH: #Trump may let #Ukraine build #Patriot interceptors.
This came after #Ukrainians spent the third night in a week in bomb shelters, hiding from a #Russian ballistic missile #attack. https://open.substack.com/pub/counteroffensive/p/newsflash-trump-may-let-ukraine-build?r=6rf4sj&utm_medium=ios

2026-07-06 11:02:28 UTC

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Large plumes of smoke and multiple fires engulfed the #city. The cause of the continuing detonations has not yet been officially confirmed.
This is the second deadly attack that #Russians carried out on the #Ukrainian capital over the course of the week.

2026-07-06 11:01:12 UTC

#NEWSFLASH: #Russia launches another massive attack on Kyiv - but due to severe air defense shortages #Kyiv was unable to intercept any of the missiles.
Over 600 residents in the #Kyiv region are being evacuated due to continuing detonations following the attack. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-massive-evacuation-in-kyiv

2026-06-12 19:33:33 UTC

#NEWSFLASH: #Ukraine enters talks to join EU.
The first negotiation cluster is set to start on June 15, allowed by #Hungary lifting its 17-month veto. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/ukraine-enters-talks-to-join-eu

2026-05-19 14:03:19 UTC

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October, 2023. Viktor Chernyshov is riding in a taxi through Narva, the border city marking the #Estonia-#Russia line. It became his refuge after #Russian soldiers broke into his own home in #Ukraine twice.

2026-05-19 14:02:46 UTC

Good morning to readers; #Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Viktor survived the 2014 #Russian occupation of #Donetsk. Residing now in #Estonia, he’s watching the exact same separatist playbook play out in a border city on NATO's eastern flank. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/why-russia-pushes-separatism-inside

2026-05-04 13:58:29 UTC

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#TANKER STRUCK AFTER #TRUMP ‘OPERATION FREEDOM’ ANNOUNCEMENT: A tanker was hit by “unknown projectiles” in the Strait of #Hormuz shortly after President Donald #Trump announced a U.S. operation to escort stranded ships through the waterway, according to The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/04/iran-war-live-updates-trump-hormuz-us-operation-tanker-strikes?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with:block-69f8295e8f0850071ff5c55b#block-69f8295e8f0850071ff5c55b

2026-05-04 13:55:07 UTC

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The latest news at this hour:
#TRUMP, U.S. ‘OPERATION #FREEDOM’ TO RESCUE STRANDED SHIPS IN HORMUZ: President Donald #Trump announced ‘Project Freedom’, a U.S. mission to escort ships stuck in the #Persian Gulf through the Strait of #Hormuz, calling it a “humanitarian gesture,” Bloomberg reported. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-04/trump-announces-humanitarian-plan-to-get-ships-through-hormuz

2026-05-04 13:54:07 UTC

#Trump, U.S. ‘Operation Freedom’ to rescue stranded ships in #Hormuz; Tanker struck after Trump’s ‘Operation #Freedom’ announcement; U.S. Central Command, U.S. warships crossed Hormuz Strait. https://www.iranwar.news/p/trump-us-operation-freedom-to-rescue

2026-03-29 14:43:41 UTC

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3,500 U.S. #MARINES AND #SAILORS ARRIVE IN MIDDLE EAST: The USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East, carrying the U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which is capable of seizing territory and intercepting vessels. https://aje.news/zgevw1?update=4443575