Tim Mak
@timkmak.bsky.social
Founder, The Counteroffensive: Compelling human stories to illustrate news of the war in Ukraine. Fmr US Army medic.
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
Pinned
NEWSFLASH: Kyiv mayor calls on city residents to leave if possible as power/heating conditions worsen; water supply cut off to many due to last night's attack.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
NEWSFLASH: Kyiv mayor calls on city residents to leave if possible as power/heating conditions worsen; water supply cut off to many due to last night's attack.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
NEWSFLASH: Kyiv mayor calls on city residents to leave if possible as power/heating conditions worsen; water supply cut off to many due to last night's attack.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
More than 1K settlements across Ukraine remain without power; Russia used nuke-capable missile to target energy.
US embassy warns of large attack incoming, Zelenskyy says it may be tonight.
Russians trying to hit Ukraine ahead of cold front that has temps down to -18 C next week.
Russians trying to hit Ukraine ahead of cold front that has temps down to -18 C next week.
January 8, 2026 at 10:00 PM
US embassy warns of large attack incoming, Zelenskyy says it may be tonight.
Russians trying to hit Ukraine ahead of cold front that has temps down to -18 C next week.
Russians trying to hit Ukraine ahead of cold front that has temps down to -18 C next week.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
For many Ukrainians, Russian attacks mean being woken up by loud explosions, but Ivanna's world is silent.
As a deaf person, she relies on her sight, but blackouts threaten to throw Ivanna's quiet world into darkness.
For many Ukrainians, Russian attacks mean being woken up by loud explosions, but Ivanna's world is silent.
As a deaf person, she relies on her sight, but blackouts threaten to throw Ivanna's quiet world into darkness.
How deaf people live through blackouts
As Russia intensifies its attacks on energy, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are left in the dark. Deaf people, who rely on their eyesight, face an even harsher reality.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 8, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
For many Ukrainians, Russian attacks mean being woken up by loud explosions, but Ivanna's world is silent.
As a deaf person, she relies on her sight, but blackouts threaten to throw Ivanna's quiet world into darkness.
For many Ukrainians, Russian attacks mean being woken up by loud explosions, but Ivanna's world is silent.
As a deaf person, she relies on her sight, but blackouts threaten to throw Ivanna's quiet world into darkness.
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
The U.S. backs European post-war security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, amid ongoing peace talks with Russia.
The U.S. has agreed to monitoring the ceasefire with drones but has not committed to providing troops.
The U.S. backs European post-war security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, amid ongoing peace talks with Russia.
The U.S. has agreed to monitoring the ceasefire with drones but has not committed to providing troops.
US backs security guarantees for Ukraine at summit of Kyiv's allies in Paris
European officials hailed the involvement of the U.S. envoys and their strong comments as evidence Washington stood behind the security framework.
www.reuters.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
The U.S. backs European post-war security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, amid ongoing peace talks with Russia.
The U.S. has agreed to monitoring the ceasefire with drones but has not committed to providing troops.
The U.S. backs European post-war security guarantees for Ukraine for the first time, amid ongoing peace talks with Russia.
The U.S. has agreed to monitoring the ceasefire with drones but has not committed to providing troops.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
On Jan. 6, Ukrainians take cold plunges into holy water to mark Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
But for Volodymyr, head of an underwater mine clearance team, being submerging in freezing waters is part of daily life.
On Jan. 6, Ukrainians take cold plunges into holy water to mark Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
But for Volodymyr, head of an underwater mine clearance team, being submerging in freezing waters is part of daily life.
Ukraine’s cold water warriors
Today, on January 6, Ukrainians celebrate Epiphany. Some plunge into the freezing water for health and longevity but the State Emergency Service divers do that routinely to save lives.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 6, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
On Jan. 6, Ukrainians take cold plunges into holy water to mark Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
But for Volodymyr, head of an underwater mine clearance team, being submerging in freezing waters is part of daily life.
On Jan. 6, Ukrainians take cold plunges into holy water to mark Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
But for Volodymyr, head of an underwater mine clearance team, being submerging in freezing waters is part of daily life.
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ayatollah Khamenei plans to escape to Russia if protests in Iran are not successfully quelled, The Times wrote, citing an intel report.
The escape is modelled on Assad's escape in 2024 and would include Khamenei's inner circle.
Ayatollah Khamenei plans to escape to Russia if protests in Iran are not successfully quelled, The Times wrote, citing an intel report.
The escape is modelled on Assad's escape in 2024 and would include Khamenei's inner circle.
Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if Iran unrest intensifies
The republic’s supreme leader has plotted an exit route out of Tehran should his forces fail to quell dissent, an intelligence report reveals
www.thetimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ayatollah Khamenei plans to escape to Russia if protests in Iran are not successfully quelled, The Times wrote, citing an intel report.
The escape is modelled on Assad's escape in 2024 and would include Khamenei's inner circle.
Ayatollah Khamenei plans to escape to Russia if protests in Iran are not successfully quelled, The Times wrote, citing an intel report.
The escape is modelled on Assad's escape in 2024 and would include Khamenei's inner circle.
After ICE deported Andry from the U.S. to a El Salvador prison, he thought returning to Venezuela meant hell was over.
But now his future is uncertain once more.
The U.S. attacked Venezuela, threatening to worsen the very instability which made Andry flee his home.
But now his future is uncertain once more.
The U.S. attacked Venezuela, threatening to worsen the very instability which made Andry flee his home.
Inside the prison Trump’s ICE sent Venezuelans to
Venezuelan Andry Blanco-Bonilla survived ICE’s imprisonment in El Salvador, only to find himself back in Venezuela when the U.S. struck Caracas.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
After ICE deported Andry from the U.S. to a El Salvador prison, he thought returning to Venezuela meant hell was over.
But now his future is uncertain once more.
The U.S. attacked Venezuela, threatening to worsen the very instability which made Andry flee his home.
But now his future is uncertain once more.
The U.S. attacked Venezuela, threatening to worsen the very instability which made Andry flee his home.
NEWSFLASH: Donald Trump says the U.S. will “run” Venezuela after overnight strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
He warned of a possible second attack and said U.S. oil companies would play a massive role in the country’s transition.
He warned of a possible second attack and said U.S. oil companies would play a massive role in the country’s transition.
January 3, 2026 at 5:32 PM
NEWSFLASH: Donald Trump says the U.S. will “run” Venezuela after overnight strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
He warned of a possible second attack and said U.S. oil companies would play a massive role in the country’s transition.
He warned of a possible second attack and said U.S. oil companies would play a massive role in the country’s transition.
At 1:55 a.m. this morning, our reporter in Caracas looked up with a start. Explosions were being heard all throughout the city.
Here’s what he saw, heard and felt as the U.S. captured Maduro — and what he fears will happen next.
Here’s what he saw, heard and felt as the U.S. captured Maduro — and what he fears will happen next.
January 3, 2026 at 1:09 PM
At 1:55 a.m. this morning, our reporter in Caracas looked up with a start. Explosions were being heard all throughout the city.
Here’s what he saw, heard and felt as the U.S. captured Maduro — and what he fears will happen next.
Here’s what he saw, heard and felt as the U.S. captured Maduro — and what he fears will happen next.
NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions overnight in Venezuela
Sources are confirming bursts of fire and loud explosions as the U.S. threatens escalation in Venezuela.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
Sources are confirming bursts of fire and loud explosions as the U.S. threatens escalation in Venezuela.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
NEWS FLASH: Loud explosions overnight in Venezuela
Sources are confirming bursts of fire and loud explosions as the U.S. threatens escalation in Venezuela.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM
NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions overnight in Venezuela
Sources are confirming bursts of fire and loud explosions as the U.S. threatens escalation in Venezuela.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
Sources are confirming bursts of fire and loud explosions as the U.S. threatens escalation in Venezuela.
www.counteroffensive.news/p/newsflash-...
NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions were reported overnight across parts of Venezuela.
Recently, the U.S. has been escalating pressure in the form of maritime strikes, a tanker seizure, and a recent drone attack on a port.
Recently, the U.S. has been escalating pressure in the form of maritime strikes, a tanker seizure, and a recent drone attack on a port.
January 3, 2026 at 7:32 AM
NEWSFLASH: Loud explosions were reported overnight across parts of Venezuela.
Recently, the U.S. has been escalating pressure in the form of maritime strikes, a tanker seizure, and a recent drone attack on a port.
Recently, the U.S. has been escalating pressure in the form of maritime strikes, a tanker seizure, and a recent drone attack on a port.
NEWSFLASH: Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Presidential Office, replacing Andrii Yermak after a corruption scandal.
The enigmatic spymaster now steps into one of Ukraine’s most influential political roles.
The enigmatic spymaster now steps into one of Ukraine’s most influential political roles.
NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy taps spy Budanov as head of presidential office
Kyrylo Budanov, previously the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, now enters the President’s Office.
www.counteroffensive.news
January 2, 2026 at 2:24 PM
NEWSFLASH: Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Presidential Office, replacing Andrii Yermak after a corruption scandal.
The enigmatic spymaster now steps into one of Ukraine’s most influential political roles.
The enigmatic spymaster now steps into one of Ukraine’s most influential political roles.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
This New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians are reclaiming Malanka and Vasyl.
The tradition lives on through street performances, with a goat that dies with the old year and revives with the new, played in the Kyiv metro by Laima.
This New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians are reclaiming Malanka and Vasyl.
The tradition lives on through street performances, with a goat that dies with the old year and revives with the new, played in the Kyiv metro by Laima.
Ukrainian goat carol NYE traditions
On New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians celebrate the day of Malanka and Vasyl, staging plays. Forgotten for decades, the tradition returns with a goat leading the way!
www.counteroffensive.news
December 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
This New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians are reclaiming Malanka and Vasyl.
The tradition lives on through street performances, with a goat that dies with the old year and revives with the new, played in the Kyiv metro by Laima.
This New Year’s Eve, Ukrainians are reclaiming Malanka and Vasyl.
The tradition lives on through street performances, with a goat that dies with the old year and revives with the new, played in the Kyiv metro by Laima.
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
6 Ukrainian banks signed a record-breaking UAH 21.5 loan deal to fund defense production.
This 3-year consortium agreement aims to boost domestic weapons manufacturing and reduce reliance on military imports
6 Ukrainian banks signed a record-breaking UAH 21.5 loan deal to fund defense production.
This 3-year consortium agreement aims to boost domestic weapons manufacturing and reduce reliance on military imports
Ukrainian banks strike record loan deal to boost weapons output
Six Ukrainian banks have signed the largest credit consortium agreement in Ukraine’s financial market history, providing UAH 21.5 billion ($510 million) for a three-year term under a state guarantee t...
english.nv.ua
December 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
6 Ukrainian banks signed a record-breaking UAH 21.5 loan deal to fund defense production.
This 3-year consortium agreement aims to boost domestic weapons manufacturing and reduce reliance on military imports
6 Ukrainian banks signed a record-breaking UAH 21.5 loan deal to fund defense production.
This 3-year consortium agreement aims to boost domestic weapons manufacturing and reduce reliance on military imports
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Russia plans to organize voting by Ukrainians in Russia and occupied territories, Zelenskyy said.
The move would allow Moscow to later claim that Ukraine’s elections were illegitimate if those votes aren't counted.
Russia plans to organize voting by Ukrainians in Russia and occupied territories, Zelenskyy said.
The move would allow Moscow to later claim that Ukraine’s elections were illegitimate if those votes aren't counted.
Russia wants Ukrainians in occupied territories and Russia to vote in Ukrainian elections – Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian authorities have been making preparations to ensure that Ukrainian citizens in Russia and the occupied territories can take part in Ukrain...
www.pravda.com.ua
December 28, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Russia plans to organize voting by Ukrainians in Russia and occupied territories, Zelenskyy said.
The move would allow Moscow to later claim that Ukraine’s elections were illegitimate if those votes aren't counted.
Russia plans to organize voting by Ukrainians in Russia and occupied territories, Zelenskyy said.
The move would allow Moscow to later claim that Ukraine’s elections were illegitimate if those votes aren't counted.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Me and Tania spent Christmas with the Khartiia brigade.
One soldier, Gumi, yearns for his wife’s kutia—a holiday dish he’s missing while serving just half an hour from home. His wife’s special secret: a touch of rice.
Me and Tania spent Christmas with the Khartiia brigade.
One soldier, Gumi, yearns for his wife’s kutia—a holiday dish he’s missing while serving just half an hour from home. His wife’s special secret: a touch of rice.
The little things that keep them going
We visited the troops of the Khartiia Brigade on Christmas Eve and found, as the Ukrainians say, it is a sin to complain.
www.counteroffensive.news
December 27, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Me and Tania spent Christmas with the Khartiia brigade.
One soldier, Gumi, yearns for his wife’s kutia—a holiday dish he’s missing while serving just half an hour from home. His wife’s special secret: a touch of rice.
Me and Tania spent Christmas with the Khartiia brigade.
One soldier, Gumi, yearns for his wife’s kutia—a holiday dish he’s missing while serving just half an hour from home. His wife’s special secret: a touch of rice.
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukrainian drones targeted Lukoil’s oil refinery in the Russian city Volgograd.
The plant previously produced over 5% of Russia’s total refinery output, proving Kyiv’s focus on valuable energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones targeted Lukoil’s oil refinery in the Russian city Volgograd.
The plant previously produced over 5% of Russia’s total refinery output, proving Kyiv’s focus on valuable energy infrastructure.
У російському Волгограді вночі пролунали понад 20 вибухів, під ударом дронів міг опинитися НПЗ — відео
У ніч проти п’ятниці, 26 грудня, дрони атакували російський Волгоград. Під ударом міг опинитися нафтопереробний завод.
nv.ua
December 26, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukrainian drones targeted Lukoil’s oil refinery in the Russian city Volgograd.
The plant previously produced over 5% of Russia’s total refinery output, proving Kyiv’s focus on valuable energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones targeted Lukoil’s oil refinery in the Russian city Volgograd.
The plant previously produced over 5% of Russia’s total refinery output, proving Kyiv’s focus on valuable energy infrastructure.
Reposted by Tim Mak
Best podcast on Ukraine reality on the ground I’ve heard since earlier reports from @terrelljstarr.bsky.social , thanks to @chrislhayes.bsky.social and @timkmak.bsky.social for the latest Why Is This Happening overcast.fm/+ABLPgm9iOEg
Life in Ukraine with Tim Mak — Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast
Journalist Tim Mak joins WITHpod to discuss what life has been like for him living in Kyiv, what he sees as a possible way forward politically and more.
overcast.fm
December 25, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Best podcast on Ukraine reality on the ground I’ve heard since earlier reports from @terrelljstarr.bsky.social , thanks to @chrislhayes.bsky.social and @timkmak.bsky.social for the latest Why Is This Happening overcast.fm/+ABLPgm9iOEg
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Our team just spotted an unidentified object in Ukrainian air space: big belly, red suit, bushy white beard.
Any guesses?
Our team just spotted an unidentified object in Ukrainian air space: big belly, red suit, bushy white beard.
Any guesses?
NEWSFLASH: Unknown object in Ukrainian airspace
Our team found a fast-moving unidentified object in Ukraine’s skies on Christmas Eve. In other news: Zelenskyy preps national referendum on peace deal.
www.counteroffensive.news
December 24, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Our team just spotted an unidentified object in Ukrainian air space: big belly, red suit, bushy white beard.
Any guesses?
Our team just spotted an unidentified object in Ukrainian air space: big belly, red suit, bushy white beard.
Any guesses?
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Pokrovsk, birthplace of 'Carol of the Bells', is being destroyed by Russian fire.
That’s where Father Oleksandr built his church while working night shifts in the mines. But today, his city, and his church, are in ruins.
Pokrovsk, birthplace of 'Carol of the Bells', is being destroyed by Russian fire.
That’s where Father Oleksandr built his church while working night shifts in the mines. But today, his city, and his church, are in ruins.
Russia incinerates birthplace of famous Christmas song
While much of the world sings the iconic ‘Carol of the Bells’ melody this holiday season, the tune’s birthplace is slowly being erased by Russia. Oleksandr, a priest, witnessed this destruction firsth
www.counteroffensive.news
December 23, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Pokrovsk, birthplace of 'Carol of the Bells', is being destroyed by Russian fire.
That’s where Father Oleksandr built his church while working night shifts in the mines. But today, his city, and his church, are in ruins.
Pokrovsk, birthplace of 'Carol of the Bells', is being destroyed by Russian fire.
That’s where Father Oleksandr built his church while working night shifts in the mines. But today, his city, and his church, are in ruins.
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
NATO intel warns Russia is developing weapons that create clouds of shrapnel to target Ukraine's Starlink satellites, critical for military activity.
Experts say this could also damage Russia’s satellites.
NATO intel warns Russia is developing weapons that create clouds of shrapnel to target Ukraine's Starlink satellites, critical for military activity.
Experts say this could also damage Russia’s satellites.
Starlink in the crosshairs: How Russia could attack Elon Musk's conquering of space
NATO-nation intelligence services believe Russia is developing a weapon to target Starlink satellites.
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
NATO intel warns Russia is developing weapons that create clouds of shrapnel to target Ukraine's Starlink satellites, critical for military activity.
Experts say this could also damage Russia’s satellites.
NATO intel warns Russia is developing weapons that create clouds of shrapnel to target Ukraine's Starlink satellites, critical for military activity.
Experts say this could also damage Russia’s satellites.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
A few years ago Mariana's grandma broke down crying and decided not to spend Xmas with her family.
A rift split the family after her grandma refused leave her Russia-aligned church accused of spying for the enemy.
A few years ago Mariana's grandma broke down crying and decided not to spend Xmas with her family.
A rift split the family after her grandma refused leave her Russia-aligned church accused of spying for the enemy.
How Russia split my family over Christmas
Mariana’s family is among thousands of Ukrainian families forced to celebrate Christmas on different days after a split between the pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian Orthodox churches.
www.counteroffensive.news
December 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
A few years ago Mariana's grandma broke down crying and decided not to spend Xmas with her family.
A rift split the family after her grandma refused leave her Russia-aligned church accused of spying for the enemy.
A few years ago Mariana's grandma broke down crying and decided not to spend Xmas with her family.
A rift split the family after her grandma refused leave her Russia-aligned church accused of spying for the enemy.
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukraine’s intel chief warns that Russia is fast-tracking plans to occupy the Baltics.
The Kremlin previously aimed to occupy the states by 2030, but he said this has been moved to 2027.
Ukraine’s intel chief warns that Russia is fast-tracking plans to occupy the Baltics.
The Kremlin previously aimed to occupy the states by 2030, but he said this has been moved to 2027.
Ukraine's Defence Intelligence chief says Russia is preparing to occupy Baltic states in coming years
Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has stated that Russia intends to occupy the Baltic states and is planning for action as early as 2027.
www.pravda.com.ua
December 20, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Ukraine’s intel chief warns that Russia is fast-tracking plans to occupy the Baltics.
The Kremlin previously aimed to occupy the states by 2030, but he said this has been moved to 2027.
Ukraine’s intel chief warns that Russia is fast-tracking plans to occupy the Baltics.
The Kremlin previously aimed to occupy the states by 2030, but he said this has been moved to 2027.
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Despite Trump’s peace talks and the Russia-favourable U.S. peace proposal, Putin demands more.
During his annual Q&A conference, Putin rejected the U.S. peace plan and restated Russian demands from 2024.
Despite Trump’s peace talks and the Russia-favourable U.S. peace proposal, Putin demands more.
During his annual Q&A conference, Putin rejected the U.S. peace plan and restated Russian demands from 2024.
December 19, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.
Despite Trump’s peace talks and the Russia-favourable U.S. peace proposal, Putin demands more.
During his annual Q&A conference, Putin rejected the U.S. peace plan and restated Russian demands from 2024.
Despite Trump’s peace talks and the Russia-favourable U.S. peace proposal, Putin demands more.
During his annual Q&A conference, Putin rejected the U.S. peace plan and restated Russian demands from 2024.
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Russia's intel has threatened Belgian politicians and top financiers to prevent the EU from using Russian frozen assets to back a Ukraine loan.
Belgium has protested using Russian frozen assets, fearing Russian retaliation.
Russia's intel has threatened Belgian politicians and top financiers to prevent the EU from using Russian frozen assets to back a Ukraine loan.
Belgium has protested using Russian frozen assets, fearing Russian retaliation.
Belgian politicians and finance bosses targeted by Russian intelligence over seized assets
Exclusive: Key figures at frozen assets depository among targets of intimidation campaign, say European intelligence agencies
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today:
Russia's intel has threatened Belgian politicians and top financiers to prevent the EU from using Russian frozen assets to back a Ukraine loan.
Belgium has protested using Russian frozen assets, fearing Russian retaliation.
Russia's intel has threatened Belgian politicians and top financiers to prevent the EU from using Russian frozen assets to back a Ukraine loan.
Belgium has protested using Russian frozen assets, fearing Russian retaliation.