About this Episode
The week before Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day was particularly deadly, as journalist Philippe Schockweiler reports from Kyiv. Russian missiles and drones repeatedly struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging homes, schools and hospitals. A missile attack also destroyed large parts of Kyiv’s famous Pochaina book market.
Ballistic missiles have become a growing fear in the capital because they travel so quickly that residents may have almost no warning before an explosion. Even deep underground, the shockwaves can shake walls and doors. Ukraine can intercept some ballistic missiles with Patriot systems, but it has too few launchers and interceptor missiles.
Despite the attacks, daily life continues. Cafés, parks, concerts and summer festivals remain busy, offering residents brief moments of normality after more than four years of full-scale war. At the same time, many people are exhausted and are already worried about another winter of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
On 24 August, Ukraine marked 35 years since restoring its independence in 1991. At Kyiv’s Independence Square, thousands of flags, photographs and messages commemorate people killed defending the country. Independence here is no longer seen only as an event from the past, but as something Ukrainians are fighting to preserve every day.
A report by Philippe Schockweiler.
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