A boy runs with an Ukrainian flag during an event for Ukrainian Independence Day in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022.

A somber Independence Day in Ukraine

Full Episode

A boy runs with an Ukrainian flag during an event for Ukrainian Independence Day in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. The commemorations Wednesday coincide with the six-month milestone of Russia’s invasion. 

Darko Vojinovic/AP

In normal years, Independence Day in Ukraine would be marked with parades, concerts and flag-flying. But today, many Ukrainians observed the day with tributes to the thousands who have died since Russia invaded their country. And, polio has been found in the US, UK and Israel, and an oral polio vaccine appears to be the cause. In New York, London and Jerusalem, there have been isolated cases of the disease, which can lead to paralysis and death. Also, in Haiti, thousands of people have taken to the streets in the capital and other cities demanding that Prime Minister Ariel Henry step down. Protesters blocked roads, shut down businesses and marched through the streets, calling for a better quality of life in the Caribbean nation. Plus, butterflies abound in Scotland.

In This Episode

Across Ukraine, muted celebrations on Independence Day
Ukrainian servicemen prepare their weapon to fire Russian positions in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, early Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022.
US will support Ukraine against Russian aggression ‘as long as it takes,’ US State Dept. spokesperson says
Special Coverage
Biden announces student debt forgiveness
Finland’s PM criticized for dancing as Australia’s PM applauded for drinking
A worker walks alongside the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant's array of digester eggs in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York
Why has polio emerged in the US, UK and Israel? A polio eradication expert weighs in.
Special Coverage
A man collects copper wires from the market which was destroyed after Russian bombardment in Nikopol, Ukraine, Aug, 22, 2022. 
Medics on Ukraine’s front lines say war takes a heavy toll on mental health 
Special Coverage
Haitians protest and demand PM’s ouster
New Zealand releases all-you-can-fly tickets
Thai courts suspend PM
Scotland’s butterflies