The invasion, one year later

Plus, the story of Kherson's citizen spies.

View this email online February 26, 2023 This week, we look at the global impact of the war in Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Plus, could commuting have a hidden benefit? Scott’s weekly weigh-in A good weekend to you. I love animal stories. I hear from people who remember when I covered the siege of Sarajevo in the '90s and recall stories of people who risked their lives to walk their dogs under sniper fire and share scarce food with stray cats. Animals were signs of life. Our family is one of those that has no clear line between human members and other species. Family is family nevertheless. As I said in an essay, “I'll venture a guess that you don't refer to the four-footed family member who licks your face, naps in your lap, sleeps on your bed and inhales the redolence of your dirty socks … as ‘it.’” There are people who follow me on Twitter just to read the haiku written by our French poodle, Daisy, continental sophisticate that she is. Our producers seem to ration the number of animal stories I do, no doubt wisely in times that brim with vital news. But what can be more vital than a story about an octopus staging a Steve McQueenish escape from an aquarium? Or that hugging is so universal that even animals embrace? Or hearing from a great film director on how he used a donkey’s exquisite eyes to reflect world events? Or another sobering story about the personal costs of veterinarians who care for the animals we love? Or to know that the tiniest of creatures can still move the earth? This week’s essay on Flaco — the owl now entrancing crowds in New York City’s Central Park — joins distinguished company. I was honored to get an award this week from the National Press Foundation. But it was important to begin by remembering Dylan Lyons, a young journalist killed on assignment in Florida. Scott Simon Scott Simon is one of NPR's most renowned news anchors. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and one of the hosts of the morning news podcast Up First. Be sure to listen to him every Saturday on your local NPR station, and follow him on Twitter. Newsletter continues after sponsor message It’s been a year since Russia’s war in Ukraine began   Photos by Claire Harbage/NPR Over the last year, our correspondents have been on the frontlines of the war, reporting on its devastating global impacts and the everyday people who have had to face the onslaught. Today, we reflect on the sobering one-year anniversary of the invasion and what may come next. *** This is the story of the war — told in 31 images. Our photographer spent half a year in Ukraine documenting the turmoil and resiliency of its people. We collected some of her most stirring photographs here.   *** Think you know the story of Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Think again. Before the invasion, the Ukrainian leader was polling at around 25%. But he quickly became a folk hero of democracy, confounding his allies and enemies with his ability to bring the country together in the face of crisis. To understand his remarkable political transformation, you have to start at the beginning. *** Laurel Chor for NPR These ordinary citizens joined a spy network to fight Russia. Kherson was the first major city to be occupied by Russian forces. But a formidable underground resistance soon formed, with ordinary people banding together to form espionage cells. Their goal? Report to the Ukrainian military on Russian movements — and work undetected, as if “moving between drops of rain,” as one amateur spy described. This is their story.   ***   This is where the war stands as it enters its second year. The prevailing narrative of the war thus far has been that Russia’s military performed poorly and Ukraine defied the world’s expectations. But will those trends continue? We spoke to analysts charting the next paths the war could take.   *** Plus: The ripple effects of the war continue to change the world. Our interactive graphic shows how. Nick Underwood/NPR Before you go…   Super Lt This tender Irish drama about a withdrawn 9-year-old girl proves that the quietest films can have the most to say. Our critic explains. Therapists, career coaches and writers told us the best advice they’ve ever received. Here are their 10 tried-and-true tips. The cats of a small town in Maine inherited $200,000 when a woman died. That’s when the trouble began. Listen here. Most of us agree that commuting sucks. But these researchers argue it may actually offer a hidden value. 2023 Student Podcast Challenge Do you know a middle- or high-schooler who’s got a knack for sound and storytelling? We are now taking submissions for NPR’s annual Student Podcast Challenge. We’ve gathered tips and tricks from our very own producers for how to get started. Learn more here. 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