@timkmak@journa.host
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timkmak

@timkmak@journa.host

Founder, The Counteroffensive. Based in Kyiv, trying to tell the news of the war through compelling, human interest stories. Read us at https://www.counteroffensive.news/

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timkmak, to random
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NEWSFLASH: KYIV IN THE DARK

Earlier this week, a box I haven’t seen in over a year appeared in our office elevator.

The brown box is marked for emergencies, and includes water, cookies and diapers — in case you are trapped inside the elevator when the power goes out.

timkmak,
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There was no fanfare about it, but it was a signal that Kyiv was once again preparing for Russia’s collective punishment in the form of blackouts.

The situation has suddenly worsened— not only for the immediate future but the whole trajectory of civilian life in Ukraine.

timkmak,
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Electrical engineers had been able to come up with various plans to keep the on, but this week, they started coming up short, he said. Electrical imports from other countries can only do so much, and consumer demand went up due to a cold snap in

timkmak,
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Russian strikes destroyed the largest power plant in the Kyiv region last month; the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant has stopped producing energy; and various generation sites in Kharkiv have also been destroyed -- among many others that have been targeted in recent months.

While Ukraine is importing electricity from Poland, Romania and Slovakia, this will not compensate for the loss of generating capacity.

timkmak,
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This has made emergency blackouts inevitable. All regions of Ukraine are now facing rolling power outages, the Energy Ministry of Ukraine said.

The Russian strikes and the damage will continue "as degraded Ukrainian air defense capabilities persist until US-provided air defense missiles and other Western air defense assets arrive at scale,” the ISW recently reported.

timkmak,
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The Counteroffensive’s team has been hard at work planning for possible emergency scenarios: evacuation routes and methods, prolonged internet outages.

We need batteries, and sources of heat; we need emergency food and water; we need to be prepared to go days without power.

timkmak,
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Myroslava laughed a little at my focus on preparedness. I am mapping out all sorts of worst case scenarios — fire, nuclear bombs, chemical attacks — a very American or Canadian mentality, she teased.

Ukrainians, she explained, simply grit their teeth and deal with the problems when they arise.

My mentality is one that’s been drilled into me through the military: two is one, and one is none.

timkmak,
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timkmak, to Russia
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Here's what we are reading today:

By mid-week was 20 miles from city. If they are within 15 miles they can hit the city with 152 mm which could cause immense damage and people to flee the city.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/16/ukraines-defences-thin-on-ground-as-russia-advances-on-kharkiv

timkmak,
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Sri Lanka has sent a delegation to Russia to bring back 600-800 Sri Lankans that are believed to be fighting in Russia.
The men are promised high salaries and Russian citizenship. There have also been similar reports of Nepalese and Indian citizens fighting in the Russian army.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/05/16/7456153/

timkmak,
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There will be rolling throughout today, announced Ukrenergo, a Ukrainian energy company.

This is due to recent cold weather which has led to increased energy use. power plants are struggling to meet these demands following attacks on

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/05/16/7456125/

timkmak,
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Here’s what Alessandra is listening to today:

Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx4kLgnFexo

timkmak,
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Would you like to know more?

Don't miss our next issue, and catch up on previous ones through the link!

Thank you for following along!

https://counteroffensive.substack.com

spocko, to random
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During the #TrumpTrial questioning of Michael Cohen they are talking about his relationships with reporters. But will they bring up how Cohen threatened former Daily Beast reporter Tim Mak on Trump's behalf regarding a story about Trump raping his first wife as revealed in their divorce papers.

Here is the audio from June 1, 2018 on the Majority Report
#MichaelCohen
Here's my contemporaneous piece on the use of threats by #Trump & #Cohen.
https://crooksandliars.com/2018/06/who-else-did-cohen-threaten-and-pay

video/mp4

timkmak,
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@KatM @spocko no notes

timkmak, to random
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Blackout in Kyiv. Second one in my area today.

Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have stretched the city to the breaking point.

Here’s one of the office mascots, This is Fine Dog, under a red headlamp I’m wearing

timkmak,
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There was definitely a sense that if the energy infrastructure were to be attacked, it would be in the winter.

The spring attacks were both surprising and took place after a collective sigh of relief had already taken place

timkmak,
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I’m sitting in the dark, watching people across the street swing their flashlights wildly around in their own apartments

timkmak,
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As it happens, today is vyshyvanka day — a day to celebrate the traditional Ukrainian folk attire.

Here’s our team before the power outages, earlier today

timkmak, to random
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Here's what we're reading today:

In , region, where active hostilities are taking place, the first executions of civilians by troops have been reported, police said. A man who tried to flee on foot was killed. Civilians are also being captured.

Evacuations had been taking place, but now the Russian military, trying to gain a foothold in the city, is not allowing locals to evacuate.

https://www.dw.com/uk/klimenko-vijska-rf-berut-v-polon-ta-rozstriluut-civilnih-u-vovcansku/a-69095571

timkmak,
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Using a loophole in sanctions, is disguising Russian oil as its own and exporting it to the , bringing billions in profits to , Politico writes.

Between February 2023 and February 2024, Turkey increased its purchases from Russia by 105% compared to the previous 12 months. During the same period, Turkish fuel exports to the EU increased by 107%.

https://www.politico.eu/article/how-turkey-become-vladimir-putin-pit-stop-sell-camouflage-fuel-eu/

timkmak,
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Russian forces advancing up to 4 miles in several areas within 5 days raises doubts about Kyiv's defense, The Guardian reports.

Despite warnings from #Moscow, ISW, and British intelligence, #Ukraine's preparation was hampered by insufficient fortifications and a four-month pause in #US arms deliveries.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/16/ukraines-defences-thin-on-ground-as-russia-advances-on-kharkiv

timkmak,
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Following an apparent assassination attempt yesterday on Slovak PM Robert Fico, he underwent surgery and is now in stable but serious condition.

is a pro-Russian politician who took office in October 2023. After his party won the elections, Fico opposed military aid to .

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/05/16/7456044/

timkmak,
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Here's what Myroslava is listening to today:

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

timkmak,
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Do you enjoy our work? Let us know!

Supporting The Counteroffensive is free!

Follow along with the team through the link in bio!

timkmak,
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@DeeGLloyd plus we lost power here in central Kyiv for the first time in a long time

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