Media and сultural agenda in the EU countries against the background of russian military aggression in Ukraine (sociological and contextual research)

Abstract

The relevance of the problem is due to the importance of the media agenda for the information security of society and the state. The purpose of the study is to analyze the formation of a common media and cultural agenda in the EU countries regarding the coverage of the Russian-Ukrainian war since February 2022. The study uses theoretical (analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization and interpretation of results) and empirical (data collection, observation, comparison) research methods. The content of online versions of print media that shape public opinion in Poland and Germany was analyzed. The results showed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to the formation of a common media agenda in the EU, the unanimous recognition of Russia as a party to the conflict and an aggressor country, the realization of a rethinking of EU international policy and the need to identify new strategic partners. German publications recognize the war as a new reality and raise the issue of mobilizing Europe for collective security. Energy dependence on Russia is recognized as a political mistake, and support for Ukraine's statehood and European integration course is expressed through the theme of common European values and solidarity in the fight against the aggressor. The Polish media demonstrate maximum support for both military and civilian Ukrainians from Polish society, sympathy for refugees, and the need to achieve peace through Russia's military defeat. The cultural agenda in the media of both countries is presented primarily through the topic of preserving monuments threatened by military operations on the territory of Ukraine. The results of the study deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of public opinion formation and its influence on political decisions, and are of practical importance for information security specialists, journalists, politicians, diplomats and anyone interested in the role of the media in civil society.