Tim Mak

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...

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Here’s what Mariana is listening to today:

Coldplay – Fix You

The U.S.-Ukraine Beer Bridge Ukrainian beer has turned out to be a surprisingly strong connection between the two countries. We saw it in Lviv, where Veronika oversaw brewing with Americans who’ve adopted Ukrainian recipes.

Curious how Ukrainian brewing traditions blended with American craft beer culture in Lviv? Tap the link!

NATO wants to send joint German-Dutch forces to Estonia, with a final decision due by year’s end, the country’s defense minister said.

It signals growing military buildup in the Baltic region, amid concerns that Russia may be preparing for an invasion in the region.

Бабель Президент звільнив Сергія Гайдая з посади голови Мукачівської РДА, а Андрія Юрченка — з посади очільника Рубіжанської МВА. НАБУ і САП викрили оборудку на закупівлі безпілотників і засобів РЕБ. За дан...

Zelenskyy fired 2 local administration heads over suspected large-scale corruption tied to buying drone gear, critical for Ukraine’s military.

The case emerged right after key anti-corruption bodies regained independence following the reversal of a conversional law.

ГУР здобуло секретні дані про найновіший атомний підводний крейсер РФ Фахівці Головного управління розвідки здобули внутрішню документацію про найновіший підводний човен Росії ― атомну субмарину стратегічного призначення К-555 “Князь Пожарський”.

Here’s what reading today:

Kyiv has obtained classified data on Russia’s newest nuclear submarine, including the crew and the vessel’s combat configurations details.

It exposes the capabilities and limitations of Russia’s nuclear delivery systems — a key element of its military power.

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...

Real stories with real people, straight from Ukraine.

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YouTube video by EltonJohnVEVO Elton John, Dua Lipa - Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) (Official Video)

Here’s what Clara is listening to today:

Elton John, Dua Lipa - Cold Heart

The U.S.-Ukraine Beer Bridge Ukrainian beer has turned out to be a surprisingly strong connection between the two countries. We saw it in Lviv, where Veronika oversaw brewing with Americans who’ve adopted Ukrainian recipes.

Want to know how Ukrainian brewing traditions met American craft beer culture in Lviv? Read more via the link.

Ukraine Facility: уряд змінив план реформ, необхідних для отримання коштів від ЄС 1 серпня уряд України ухвалив рішення про внесення змін до “Плану України” – плану реформ, необхідних для отримання коштів ЄС за програмою Ukraine Facility.

Ukraine approved changes to its reform plan to unlock EU funding, including updated deadlines, as a step forward for EU accession.

This week, parliament restored anti-corruption bodies amid protests and EU pressure, which insist Kyiv must respect anti-corruption independence.

Putin Blames Frustration Over Ukraine Talks on ‘Inflated Expectations’

Putin said those disappointed by the lack of progress in peace talks have “inflated expectations” and that “deep conversations” are needed.

In his first comments since Trump’s new deadline for a ceasefire deal, Putin said Russia’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged.

Russia gearing up for NATO war: Ukrainian intelligence head unveils purpose of massive budget Read more

Here's what we are reading today:

Russia is carrying out its largest rearmament since 1980 to prepare for war with NATO, says Ukraine’s intelligence chief Budanov.

With a budget of over $1.1 trillion, he said Moscow aims to be ready for full-scale war with the alliance by 2030.

LAMB OF WAR

Today we have a small lamb peacefully eating grass and enjoying sun rays that Mariana unexpectedly met, walking in the forests of the Carpathian mountains during her vacation (P.S. she misses those good days now that she’s back in the office).

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...

Follow along with our team on the ground (for free) through the link!

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CIVILIANS UNDER FIRE: Russia launched over 6,000 strike drones at Ukraine in July — a 1,378 percent increase compared to the same month last year, OSINT analyst Kyle Glen reported.

SENATORS PROPOSE UKRAINE AID BILL: Two bipartisan U.S. senators introduced a bill proposing over $50 billion in aid to Ukraine over the next two years.

NEWS OF THE DAY:

UKRAINE FACES JET DRONE THREAT: Russia used a new type of high-speed drone in a June 31 airstrike on Kyiv, marking an escalation in its drone warfare.

The U.S.-Ukraine Beer Bridge Ukrainian beer has turned out to be a surprisingly strong connection between the two countries. We saw it in Lviv, where Veronika oversaw brewing with Americans who’ve adopted Ukrainian recipes.

Want to know how Ukrainian brewing traditions met American craft beer culture in Lviv? Read more via the link.

Veronika never thought she’d end up in western Ukraine in the middle of a war brewing and tasting beer with a group of Colorado brewers who have brought Ukrainian brewing traditions into the homes of ordinary Americans who may know nothing at all about Ukraine.

So somehow there’s more trust in people brewing beer that helpfully tells drinkers 'Putin is a D*ckhead’ than there is in the Trump administration.

As it turns out, American brewers have provided more reliable support than the U.S. government since Russia launched its full-scale invasion three years ago.

But this aid isn’t from the White House, or organized by the State Department, or blessed by the Pentagon.

Beer: it’s the only U.S. aid that Ukraine can count on right now.

The U.S.-Ukraine Beer Bridge Ukrainian beer has turned out to be a surprisingly strong connection between the two countries. We saw it in Lviv, where Veronika oversaw brewing with Americans who’ve adopted Ukrainian recipes.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

With Washington’s back and forth on military aid to Ukraine, one of the few sources of U.S.-Ukrainian partnership that Ukraine can rely on is beer.

Veronika visited U.S. brewers that are adapting Ukrainian beer recipes.

Bonus: Had an excellent chat with @benyeohben on my time in Ukraine and my journey to setting up the Counteroffensive. Podcast link below or available wherever you listen to podcasts.

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...

Head to the link to catch up on any past articles you may have missed!

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НАЖИВО | ГОЛОСУВАННЯ за незалежність САП І НАБУ | Розгляд законопроєкту Зеленського YouTube video by Суспільне Новини

Here’s what Sofia is listening to today:

Verkhovna Rada — Live Broadcast

Plastic surgery to cover up war wounds Thousands of Ukrainians have suffered from physical injuries. The growing sector of aesthetic medicine helps erase the memories caused by the traumas of the war.

Haven’t read our latest piece yet? Tap the link to see how plastic surgery in Ukraine is now helping people recover from war.

Despite days of heavy rain, people stood their ground. This is what democracy looks like: loud, creative, brave, persistent. Ukrainians once again showed the world that no leader is above the people — and we are so proud today.

“We stood, we are standing, and we will keep standing”. And so we did — for over two hours, carefully listening to every word from the politicians. When 331 MPs finally voted for the presidential bill to restore the independence of NABU/SAP, the whole crowd erupted into cheers.