new year, old conflict
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Conflict Dynamics
Media Framing
Security
3 minutes
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The same technique can be used to benefit the Russian side (i.e. While Kirill Dmitriev is discussing a peace agreement in the United States that would end the bloodshed, Ukraine is launching the most massive drone attacks on Russia since the beginning of the conflict.) Both facts in this example are correct by their own, but together they can lead towards false conclusions. This manipulation is widely used by western media in general, so once you start noticing it, you will see to what narratives it serves.
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At the end of her reflections on Russia's alleged attempt to manufacture a humanitarian crisis in Odesa, the author returns to the narrative from the beginning of the article: Zelensky is right, we need more support. Our editorial team suggests that this is the article's original key takeaway, while the recurring take that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that is sabotaging peace talks is a common and powerful recurring narrative in Western media.
Its goal is to slowly enter the reader's mind to the point where it is perceived as the reader's own thought rather than something received from the media.
Its goal is to slowly enter the reader's mind to the point where it is perceived as the reader's own thought rather than something received from the media.
Further, information is provided to prove the author's point: in 2025, night attacks by Russian drones on Ukraine increased sharply: about 52 thousand unmanned aerial vehicles were launched compared to approximately 14 thousand over the previous three years combined (2022–2024). One of the increasingly key targets is Odesa.
– a rather vivid description of all the problems of a front-line city, which again works to support the main narrative: Russia is evil.
In reality, the increased role of drones is a general trend in this armed conflict and, perhaps, in modern warfare in general.
Here, once again, the article's main idea surfaces: While Ukraine wants peace, Russia escalates. We have already discussed why this thesis is inherently incorrect.
Then the author (it is important to mention that the author is a Ukrainian woman from Kyiv, which already tells us that the article is unlikely to be unbiased and objective journalism) emphasizes the economic importance of Odesa, stating that about 90% of the country's agricultural products are exported by sea.
First and foremost, the author shifts the focus from Odesa's military significance as a key hub for Western military aid to its humanitarian aspect. The implied narrative is that Russia attacks Odesa to make life worse for ordinary Ukrainians. The issue of arms supplies through Odesa is omitted.
First and foremost, the author shifts the focus from Odesa's military significance as a key hub for Western military aid to its humanitarian aspect. The implied narrative is that Russia attacks Odesa to make life worse for ordinary Ukrainians. The issue of arms supplies through Odesa is omitted.
This is actually a fairly simple manipulation technique called context manipulation. Only those events that fit the narrative are selected and presented, which is in that case – Zelenski is right, Russian actions prove his point, and one more general narrative – Russia is evil. It seems that while Ukraine is negotiating for peace, Russia is trying to undermine these efforts. Although in reality, both sides are constantly exchanging strikes, as well as constantly working on the desired peace agreement.
Today, in the Brief of the day, we analyze the WSJ article with the subtitle "The deadly attacks on a crucial trade hub come as the U.S. peace effort continues" which immediately hints at the leading narrative: It is Russia who is trying to disrupt
the peace treaty.
the peace treaty.
Russia’s Strikes on Odesa Aim to Cut Ukraine’s Economic Lifeline
"However, against the backdrop of the Trump administration's attempts to find a path to end the conflict, Russia is increasing air attacks in southern Ukraine. Strikes are often launched from the territory of Crimea, as in this case drones and missiles do not fly over land, where Ukrainian air defence can intercept mass attacks."
"As a result, one of Ukraine's largest and most dynamic cities has found itself virtually under siege. Residents of Odesa were left without light, heating, and water supply for several days in the onset of winter and temperatures near zero. The city is particularly vulnerable to attacks on the energy system, as it produces almost no electricity on its own and depends on external supplies."
“The day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his arguments for increased U.S. support during a meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, Russia unleashed a new wave of attack drones on one of Ukraine’s most valuable coastal areas, the Black Sea port of Odessa.”
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