Society has often struggled to engage in meaningful conversations about Ukraine and the war taking place within and beyond its borders. Since Russian attacks on Ukraine first started in February 2022, some discourse surrounding the war has been too abstract. The readings this week, however, help shed light on the intricacies of the war. These intricacies further emphasize the important role journalists play in disseminating information and shaping international conversations. This is particularly important because many Americans may be unaware of, or may be missing, crucial information about the conflict. Although it is important to learn information about what is happening on the ground, it is also crucial to learn about how people are reacting to their changing environment as a result.
The article written in The Kyiv Independent about a new “Unity Hub” for Ukrainian refugees in Berlin, for example, helps illustrate some of the complexities present in the ongoing discourse about the war. The article helps reveal a seemingly significant development for Ukrainians who were forced to flee their country. The Unity Hub seems to be a step in the right direction and a unique success for international diplomacy. Increased integration within German society seems to be a positive, praiseworthy endeavor. However, as moral urgency and outrage around the world are dwindling, it is important to consider the impact this hub may have. The article, for example, does not mention German support or opposition to the hub, nor does it provide much information on the hub itself. While reading the article, however, I was surprised to see how Ukraine and Ukrainian journalists have been able to shape the narrative about Ukrainian refugees. This article, written by a Ukrainian outlet, seems to show that Ukraine is not merely surviving; they are also creating communities and alliances that are sources of connection. The narratives, these journalists are able to report on, although seemingly trivial, allow for a public perception of strength and unity.
The narratives Ukraine has been able to shape are incredibly impressive, considering the turmoil immigration has brought to many cities around the world. How united is the “Unity Hub,” for example? An article published in The Guardian helps reveal that Berlin, where the hub is stationed, has seen an increase in attacks on asylum seekers and refugee shelters. This is extremely worrying. Understanding this complex narrative, however, is important for anyone seeking to understand the war. Americans in particular may be able to see parallels between the immigration crisis abroad and the one being waged by the Trump administration at home.
Finally, I think it’s crucial to reemphasize that the crisis unfolding in Ukraine is not simple or static. The podcast by Reuters and the article on Substack both help emphasize this point. The Reuters podcast helps show that war itself has changed. As technology advances, drones are now being used to harm the enemy from a distance in unique ways. With these changes in technology also comes a change in what a war zone is. The Substack article takes this concept even further. While reading this article, I was shocked to realize the immense role civilians are playing in the Ukrainian war effort. Many are fighting the war from their cell phones or from a distance. Given the amount of time this war has been going on, it is easy to get desensitized. It is important to question, however, how methods of war will play out in the future and who ultimately profits from this type of war effort?
