The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

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They’re attacking the railways
This winter Russia is targeting Ukrainian railcars – a vital transport in a country without air travel. Meet Oleh, who handles Russia’s strikes on…
 • Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko
How Elon’s satellites nearly led to Ukrainian disaster
Russians tried to use Starlink-equipped drones to thwart Ukrainian air defense, a potential catastrophe. But Kyiv managed to turn the situation around…
 • Oleksandra Poda and Mariana Lastovyria
How war disrupted my love story
War dismantled Oksana’s relationship — holding commitment and future plans hostage to uncertainty and distance. Here’s what keeps her choosing love…
 • Oksana Stepura
So many Iranians killed, funeral traditions are changing
As the Iranian regime’s violence disrupts burial traditions, some Iranians are reinventing how they mourn by publicly singing and dancing.
 • Alessandra Hay and Jacqueline Cole
We’re approaching our breaking point
Due to harrowing conditions, The Counteroffensive’s Ukraine team is taking a week’s break to rest, spend time with family, and restore our strength.
 • The Counteroffensive team
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Why cold, darkness worsen PTSD among ex-POWs
We explore the tragic, unusual link between cold and post traumatic stress. Amid blackouts, former POWs face a surge in flashbacks. Oleksii is waking up…
 • Mariana Lastovyria and Oleksandra Poda
How Ukraine’s homeless are faring in freezing conditions
Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s heating infrastructure have turned the -20°C winter into a harsh test of survival for homeless people. Ivan hasn’t had a…
 • Tania Novakivska and Oksana Stepura
Trump’s weeklong ceasefire? Russia says 2 days
Yesterday Trump announced an energy ceasefire for one week, crucial for Kyiv during its power and heating crisis. But today Russia responded — they will…
 • Tania Novakivska and Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko
NEWSFLASH: Trump, Zelenskyy announce energy ceasefire in Ukraine
As temperatures plummet across Ukraine, Trump says Putin has agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for a week.
 • Tania Novakivska, Anastasiia Kryvoruchenko, and Jacqueline Cole
Same-sex couples find a haven in Taiwan
Same-sex couples formed in China once found refuge on the island. Now, rising security anxieties are testing that promise.
 • Elaine Lin
How war makes kids grow up angry
It took two bombs to make Sasha’s younger brother blow a fuse. After almost four years of war, Ukrainian kids are growing up surrounded by violence…
 • Oleksandra Khelemendyk
How Iran’s internet blackouts work
Amir Rashidi, Iranian internet expert, explains how his country built a system to quiet the internet, and how we could all be vulnerable if we’re not…
 • Jacqueline Cole
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