| Abstract [eng] |
The primary aim of the thesis was to explore Ukraine’s conduct of information warfare against the backdrop of Russian propaganda targeting the question of Crimea. The need for this study is considered essential, as Russia has put significant investments in media campaigns which aim at influencing the perceptions of the Western countries and their subsequent positioning. The perceptions of the West affect the extent of support that is provided to Ukraine and pressure that is put on Russia as a response to its aggressive policies, which in turn affects the effectiveness of deterrence. As existing relevant scientific literature was examined, it became clear that while Russia and its information warfare strategies are thoroughly studied, Ukrainian activities in this regard are largely under-researched. In order to proceed with the research, strategic theory was used as a guiding tool, in terms of what constitutes strategy, strategic communication and what are their main features. In addition, agenda-setting theory was used to conduct frame analysis of articles present in the Ukrainian state-related media. Through the lens of this theoretical framework, firstly, Ukrainian strategic documents were analyzed, namely the two national security documents and the information security strategy. The examination of these documents showcased the lack of well-coordinated strategic communications system in Ukraine. Moreover, Putin’s speech, complemented by the secondary sources on Russian propaganda, was used to identify Kremlin’s core narratives aimed at legitimizing the annexation of Crimea. In turn, frame analysis of Ukrainian media explored the major set of attributes that are assigned to the problem of Crimea by official Kyiv. In this regard, four major narrative battles were analyzed, including: the historical circumstances that shape the general perceptions regarding Crimea, the narratives about the ethnic composition of the peninsula which constitutes a rather powerful instrument for the Kremlin, the legality of the referendum conducted in Crimea, as well as Maidan Revolution and its implications for Crimea. The analysis demonstrated different ways in which Ukraine responded to Russian information war. As most of the above-mentioned narratives were addressed in a direct manner, the last narrative concerning Maidan Revolution was mainly indirectly addressed, by generating Ukraine’s own set of attributes assigned to these events. The frame analysis fulfilled to major objective of the research and answered the primary research question. Consequently, the way Ukraine responded to Russia’s information warfare regarding Crimea with regard to the international community is presented in a descriptive-analytical manner. |
