What's happened
Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie visited Kherson and Mykolaiv in Ukraine, highlighting the civilian toll of Russia's ongoing drone attacks. She met with residents living under constant threat, emphasizing the need for international support as Ukraine faces daily assaults on its cities.
What's behind the headline?
Jolie’s visit underscores the global spotlight on Ukraine’s civilian suffering. Her presence draws attention to the persistent drone threat, which Russia has used to terrorize populations. The fact that she was detained briefly during a Ukrainian draft check highlights the complex realities of wartime Ukraine, where even high-profile visitors are subject to military protocols. This trip signals a broader international effort to humanize the conflict, but also exposes the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in defending its cities and civilians. The repeated drone attacks, which the UN labels war crimes, will likely continue to escalate unless diplomatic solutions are prioritized. Jolie’s emphasis on the psychological burden and the resilience of residents aims to galvanize international support, but the conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain, with Russia’s tactics possibly intensifying as Ukraine’s defenses are strained.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports Jolie’s detention during a draft check, highlighting the ongoing military mobilization in Ukraine. The NY Post emphasizes her visit to Kherson, where she met with civilians living under drone threat, and underscores the civilian toll of the conflict. Reuters quotes Jolie’s statement praising Ukrainian resilience and notes the high number of Russian drones downed last week. All sources agree on the ongoing danger faced by civilians and the international attention Jolie’s visit has garnered, but differ slightly in focus—NYT on the military protocol, Post on civilian stories, Reuters on official statements and drone statistics.
How we got here
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kherson has been a major target for drone attacks, with civilian areas regularly struck. The UN reports nearly 150 civilians killed in the summer of 2024, with attacks continuing daily. Jolie's previous visit in April 2022 aimed to support displaced children, and her recent trip underscores ongoing humanitarian concerns.
Go deeper
- What has been the international response to Jolie’s trip?
- How are Ukrainian civilians coping with ongoing drone attacks?
- What are Ukraine’s current military strategies against drones?
More on these topics
-
Kherson is a city in the south of Ukraine. It is the administrative center of Kherson Oblast and an economic center. Designated a city of oblast significance, Kherson is an important port on the Black Sea and on the Dnieper River, and the home of a major
-
Angelina Jolie is an American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. The recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards, she has been named Hollywood's highest-paid actress multiple times.
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.