Tim MakFeb 24

Good morning readers; #Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

4 years ago today, Polina and Daria woke up to one of the worst days in Ukraine's history, which also happened to be their birthday.

Since then both women have adapted their birthdays and learned to celebrate amidst grief. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russians-stole-my-birthday

Russians stole my birthday

Born on Feb. 24, Polina and Dariia watched Russia turn their birthdays into a national anniversary, and now negotiate joy and grief on the same date.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
Polina Kotiuk booked a hotel in #Kharkiv to spend the night with her boyfriend and celebrate her birthday.
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
She was in a festive mood after receiving flowers, gifts, and congratulations from friends and family. She planned to celebrate for three days because she loved throwing parties – and why not use any excuse?
#birthday #war #ukraine
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
A little further south, in #Cherkasy, Dariia Cherep was also preparing for her day.
She planned to celebrate her 17th birthday with a dozen friends at a cafe.
#ukraine
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
They both woke up on February 24, 2022, at 5 a.m., not yet processing that this day would no longer be a celebration. #Russia had turned it into a date that would symbolize national mourning.
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
For Polina and Dariia, this date was their special day long before it became a national day of mourning. For them, February 24, a day that used to be about cake, friends, and feeling loved, is now overshadowed by grief.
#ukraine #war
Show threadTim MakFeb 24
To find out how Polina and Dariia spent their birthdays on February 24th, 2022 and how that day reshaped their celebrations - read the full story through the link! https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/russians-stole-my-birthday
Russians stole my birthday

Born on Feb. 24, Polina and Dariia watched Russia turn their birthdays into a national anniversary, and now negotiate joy and grief on the same date.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Show threadTim MakFeb 24

#NEWS OF THE DAY:

KREMLIN BUYS STRATEGIC REAL ESTATE ACROSS EUROPE: Kremlin-linked entities are buying real estate and even islands across #EU and the #UK. https://ua.korrespondent.net/world/4857556-rosiia-skupovuie-stratehichnu-nerukhomist-v-yevropi

Show threadTim MakFeb 24
#HUNGARY BLOCKS #EU SUPPORT FOR #UKRAINE: As EU leaders traveled to #Kyiv to mark the anniversary of Russia’s war, Hungary blocked the bloc’s 20th sanctions package against Moscow and threatened to veto a €90 billion loan for Ukraine’s defense. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ukraine-visit-hungary-blocks-russia-sanctions-funding-feud-viktor-orban/
The EU is going to Ukraine empty-handed ― thanks to Hungary

This is how Budapest spoiled EU’s carefully choreographed trip to Kyiv.

POLITICO
Show threadChristo. London, England
@timkmak
Why are Hungary still in the EU?
Feb 24 at 3:16pmWeb