Consider This from NPR Episode: Despite Talk of Peace, Ukraine Is Still Under a Barrage of Deadly Attacks Release Date: May 3, 2025

1. Geopolitical Maneuvering and Peace Negotiations

The episode opens with Don Gonyea highlighting the intense geopolitical struggles surrounding Ukraine. He states, “Over the past few months, Ukraine has been caught in geopolitical jostling at the highest echelons of power” (00:00). This sets the stage for discussions on the high-stakes diplomacy involving world leaders.

Joanna Kakissis underscores a pivotal moment in the Oval Office, describing it as “one of the most astonishing moments that we have ever seen happen inside the Oval Office” (00:07). The episode details significant statements from Vladimir Putin, who declared Russia's agreement to a Ukrainian ceasefire (00:07). However, these diplomatic efforts are juxtaposed with ongoing military actions, highlighting the complexity and fragility of peace talks.

Don Gonyea further explains a recent development where the Trump administration signed a deal to share revenues from Ukraine's mineral wealth, deepening US involvement in Ukraine’s future (00:30). This move is portrayed as a strategic political maneuver, emphasizing the broader implications beyond immediate conflict resolution.

2. Daily Life in Kyiv: A City of Resilience

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Joanna Kakissis, NPR's correspondent in Ukraine, paints a vibrant picture of daily life in Kyiv. She observes, “It's a city that's absolutely alive and full of creativity and resilience” (00:59). The capital boasts bustling coffee shops, restaurants, and active streets where people work and children attend school (00:59).

Joanna shares personal experiences, such as attending theater on weekends and witnessing elderly couples dancing by the Dnipro River, moments that seem incongruent with a city at war (01:16). However, this semblance of normalcy is punctuated by the harsh reality of nightly drone attacks. Joanna poignantly remarks, “every night, practically, there are drone attacks. ... Oh, yeah, this is war. We're at war” (01:16).

3. The Persisting Threat of Airstrikes

The core of the episode delves into the relentless airstrikes that continue to devastate Ukraine. Don Gonyea reports a recent significant attack: “A little over a week ago at one in the morning local time, ballistic missiles started falling on the city of Kyiv” (03:08). These attacks resulted in 12 deaths and around 90 injuries, with stories like Maria Rumyantseva scrambling to save her elderly mother before a missile destroyed their home (03:37).

Scott Detrow probes into the psychological toll of continuous bombardment. Joanna reflects on the community’s fatigue, noting, “People have just gotten really used to it... They’re just too tired” (04:27). This desensitization underscores the enduring hardship faced by Ukrainians living under constant threat.

4. Evolution of Warfare: The Rise of Drones

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the transformation of warfare through drone technology. Joanna Kakissis describes the conflict as “incredibly modern in some ways and incredibly World War I in other ways” (06:03), highlighting the blend of traditional and cutting-edge military strategies.

Drones, both large and small, have become pivotal on the battlefield. Joanna introduces the concept of land drones, explaining their roles and functionalities:

• Large drones resemble trucks with six wheels, used to transport supplies such as ammunition and food (07:23).
• Small drones are designed for offensive operations, carrying explosives to target enemy infantry (07:23).

She discusses her firsthand observations of these drones in action with the Heartya Brigade in Kharkiv, a unit composed of highly educated individuals, including young men with advanced degrees in fields like mathematics and engineering (08:15). A Ukrainian soldier from this brigade emphasizes the strategic advantage: “Our war is a competition between quantity and quality, and we are quality” (09:05).

5. Human Stories Amidst Conflict

Interwoven with the analysis of military tactics are deeply human stories that illustrate the personal cost of war. Maria Rumyantseva’s harrowing experience evacuating her home is a poignant example. Additionally, interviews with civilians and soldiers reveal the emotional and psychological strain endured by those on the front lines and their families.

A Ukrainian soldier shares a moment of vulnerability: “I was giving them the food and they were like crying because they said that I had no food for the three days because I was running from the bomb” (10:11). These narratives humanize the conflict, moving beyond statistics to showcase individual bravery and suffering.

6. Reporting from the Frontlines: Joanna’s Perspective

Joanna Kakissis addresses the challenges of reporting in a prolonged conflict. She explains the difficulty of maintaining journalistic integrity while dealing with personal fatigue: “The challenge is that you still have to keep up with the news. And there's only one of me” (09:33). Joanna emphasizes her commitment to telling human stories amidst the relentless news cycle, stating, “I need to talk to people because it's people who are experiencing this” (10:45).

Her approach underscores the importance of personal narratives in understanding the broader geopolitical landscape, ensuring that the human element remains at the forefront of wartime journalism.

Conclusion

This episode of "Consider This" provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, blending high-level geopolitical analysis with intimate human stories. Through the insights of Joanna Kakissis and interactions with Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of both the strategic and personal dimensions of the war. The persistent threat of airstrikes, the innovative use of drone technology, and the resilient spirit of Kyiv’s residents collectively illustrate the enduring complexities and human cost of the conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Joanna Kakissis: “every night, practically, there are drone attacks. ... Oh, yeah, this is war. We're at war.” (01:16)
• Joanna Kakissis: “People have just gotten really used to it... They’re just too tired.” (04:27)
• Joanna Kakissis: “Our war is a competition between quantity and quality, and we are quality.” (09:05)
• Ukrainian Soldier: “I was giving them the food and they were like crying because they said that I had no food for the three days because I was running from the bomb.” (10:11)
• Joanna Kakissis: “I need to talk to people because it's people who are experiencing this.” (10:45)