doi: 10.56294/sctconf2024.769

 

Category: Arts and Humanities

 

ORIGINAL

 

Ukrainian journalism and media security in conditions of full-scale Russian aggression

 

La seguridad del periodismo y los medios de comunicación ucranianos en condiciones de agresión rusa a gran escala

 

Yuriy Bidzilya1  *, Zoriana Haladzhun2  *, Yevhen Solomin1  *, Viktoriia Georgiievska3  *, Nataliia Sydorenko4  *

 

1Uzhhorod National University, Department of Journalism. Uzhhorod, Ukraine.

2Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Lviv, Ukraine.

3Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Department of Journalism and New Media. Kyiv, Ukraine.

4Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Department of History of Journalism. Kyiv, Ukraine.

 

Cite as: Bidzilya Y, Haladzhun Z, Solomin Y, Georgiievska V, Sydorenko N. Ukrainian journalism and media security in conditions of full-scale Russian aggression. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología - Serie de Conferencias. 2024; 3:.769. https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf2024.769

 

Submitted: 04-01-2024                   Revised: 14-04-2024                   Accepted: 01-09-2024                 Published: 02-09-2024

 

Editor: Dr. William Castillo-González

 

Corresponding author: Yuriy Bidzilya *

 

ABSTRACT

 

Introduction: russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine caused the appearance of new challenges and threats for Ukrainian media platforms, journalists and information security, therefore, the study of this issue is relevant.

Objectives: the purpose of the research is to study the impact of aggression on journalistic practice, processes of information influence and protection of users’ rights.

Method: the scientific research used analysis, deduction method, systematization, and generalization.

Results: the results of the study emphasize the importance of media security in the conditions of military aggression and the influence of fake information on journalism and society. In the course of the study, various types of fake information and manipulations used to influence public opinion and beliefs were identified and classified.

Conclusion: the research analysed legal acts that prove the illegality of spreading fake information and the importance of media security in the context of military aggression on the territory of Ukraine. These documents include laws, agreements, declarations, and other legal acts that were adopted both in Ukraine and at the international level. In addition, during the study, the facts of the murders of journalists who became victims of military aggression by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine were highlighted. The results of the research can be used by specialists to develop specific measures and strategies regarding media security, to support journalists in their work in conflict conditions, as well as to form a conscious public perception of the importance of media security and protection of the information space.

 

Keywords: Hybrid War; Manipulation; Propaganda; Social Networks; Fake News; Media Security.

 

RESUMEN

 

Introducción: la agresión rusa en el territorio de Ucrania ha provocado la aparición de nuevos retos y amenazas para los medios de comunicación ucranianos, los periodistas y la seguridad de la información, por lo que el estudio de esta cuestión es relevante.

Objetivo: el objetivo de la investigación es estudiar el impacto de la agresión en la práctica periodística, los procesos de influencia de la información y la protección de los derechos de los usuarios.

Método: en la investigación científica se utilizaron el análisis, el método de deducción, la sistematización y la generalización.

Resultados: los resultados del estudio destacan la importancia de la seguridad de los medios de comunicación en las condiciones de agresión militar y la influencia de la información falsa en el periodismo y la sociedad. En el curso del estudio, se identificaron y clasificaron varios tipos de información falsa y manipulaciones utilizadas para manipular la opinión pública y las creencias.

Conclusiones: la investigación analizó los actos jurídicos que demuestran la ilegalidad de la difusión de información falsa y la importancia de la seguridad de los medios de comunicación en el contexto de la agresión militar en el territorio de Ucrania. Estos documentos incluyen leyes, acuerdos, declaraciones y otros actos jurídicos que se adoptaron tanto en Ucrania como a nivel internacional. Además, durante el estudio, se destacaron los hechos de los asesinatos de periodistas que se convirtieron en víctimas de la agresión militar de la Federación de Rusia en el territorio de Ucrania. Los resultados de la investigación pueden ser utilizados por los especialistas para desarrollar medidas y estrategias específicas en materia de seguridad de los medios, para apoyar a los periodistas en su trabajo en condiciones de conflicto, así como para formar una percepción pública consciente de la importancia de la seguridad de los medios y la protección del espacio informativo.

 

Palabras clave: Guerra Híbrida; Manipulación; Propaganda; Redes Sociales; Noticias Falsas; Seguridad de los Medios.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

In the conditions of full-scale Russian aggression, the study of media security in Ukrainian journalism is an important element that contributes to the development of strategies and tools to protect the information space and strengthen the democratic principles of society. Studying the influence of martial law on journalistic practice will help to understand media processes, which is important in the context of manipulation and spread of fake news. This will enable the development of effective strategies to counter disinformation and increase the level of media literacy among citizens. The study of media security, the impact of military aggression on journalism and the protection of users’ rights is important for increasing the level of awareness, efficiency, and democracy of the media environment.

The problem of the study is the analysis of the impact of full-scale Russian aggression on Ukrainian journalism and media security. In particular, this concerns the processes of information influence and the protection of the rights of consumers of media information.

Carter E and Carter B(1) examine the issue of propaganda and its influence on the modern world order. Scientists define propaganda as a systematic information activity aimed at manipulating the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions of the public in order to form certain ideas, beliefs, or support specific political, ideological, or social goals. Researchers point out that propaganda can cause changes in people’s ideas, attitudes and behaviour, shape the perception of events and influence the formation of public opinion. It is worth studying in more detail the impact of propaganda and factors on society within the framework of the ongoing war on the territory of Ukraine.

Khudoliy AO(2) emphasizes the importance of fake news as an important propaganda tool that spreads instantly among people. Fakes, according to the researcher, are completely or partially fabricated information about social events, real people or phenomena, which looks like real journalistic material. The scientist notes that nowadays such fakes, manipulations, alternative facts or just lies are mostly known as post-truth. It is worth studying this issue more thoroughly.

In turn, the Ukrainian researcher Doskich L(3) argues that the veracity of fake information is ensured by fabricated media formats such as text messages, advertisements, photo, video or audio fakes, as well as the use of bots and trolls that actively participate in discussions. According to the scientist, fakes cover such varieties as disinformation, manipulation, propaganda, rumours, memes, alternative facts, “viral” content, pranks, news satire, news generators and synthesized media content. The scientist notes that social networks play the biggest role in spreading fake information. It is necessary to more carefully study the classification of fakes, for the sake of understanding and the possibility of countering uncertain information.

Temmermans F et al.(4) define media security as a set of measures and strategies aimed at protecting information content and preventing its uncertainty, manipulation and illegal use in the context of challenges related to fake media and NFT (non-fungible tokens). Media security includes measures aimed at ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of media content, includes measures to protect against unauthorized access, theft, modification, or damage to media data, as well as detection and prevention of the spread of harmful or unwanted content.(5,6,7) Researchers note that media safety takes into account important aspects of legal responsibility, ethics and the socio-cultural context associated with the use of media. It is necessary to study in more detail the issue of media security in the Ukrainian information space, in the context of a full-scale war.

Bukina N(8) notes the peculiarities of media coverage of the conflict between the Russian Federation (RF) and Ukraine. The scholar argues that war creates a unique context for media coverage, involving different views and positions. Also, according to the researcher, manipulations in the media and attempts to influence public opinion are revealed. The scientist is convinced that in order to ensure media safety, it is important to support the critical thinking of citizens and provide access to various sources of information. It is worth studying more thoroughly the issue of media security within the framework of military aggression on the territory of Ukraine by Russia.

The purpose of the study is to reveal the impact of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine on the practice of journalism, the processes of information influence and the protection of users’ rights for a better understanding of these aspects.

 

METHOD

In this research work, the analytical method was used to study the peculiarities of Ukrainian journalism and media security in the conditions of full-scale Russian aggression, as well as the method of deduction, systematization, and generalization.

With the help of an analytical research method, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the media and online resources is studied and highlighted in the scientific work. This method made it possible to consider various aspects of media practice, to identify trends, features, and manipulations in the media, through which they tried to influence the perception and understanding of the war and military actions of both countries. The analytical method of the study made it possible to gain a deeper understanding of how fake news shapes perceptions and opinions about the conflict, as well as to identify opportunities for improving media security and developing critical thinking among citizens.

Based on the analytical method, it was possible to consider the main aspects of the use of rhetoric in media materials, representations of the parties to the conflict, the use of images and symbols, the influence of false information on the perception of events. Analysing these aspects with the help of this method, it was possible to reveal certain trends and manipulations that influenced the perception and evaluation of the war by society. This method made it possible to study the situation and understand how media formats influence the formation of people’s opinions, stereotypes, and beliefs about the conflict.

The method of systematization was used to study and organize the classification of information about falsified news spread by the Russian Federation and their refutation. This method helped organize the data into a logical and structured form, allowing for easier understanding and analysis of the information. This method made it possible to contrast facts and misinformation, and also provided the means to provide evidence of the falsehood of disseminated news. The method of systematization helped provide a logical structure for presenting facts and counterarguments, which allowed for a more objective assessment of information and awareness of the problem of misinformation.

The method of generalization was used in this research work. On the basis of the method of generalization, it was possible to study the regulatory and legal documents of Ukraine that regulate the issue of the spread of fake information and contribute to ensuring media security, in particular, laws, resolutions, orders, and other legal acts adopted at the state level that regulate the media sphere and control the spread of disinformation. The method of generalization was also used for a thorough analysis of the facts of violation of normative legal acts regarding the spread of fake information among the country’s population. The study summarized data on cases of violations.

The method of deduction, which was used in this scientific study, contributed to the study of the conceptual apparatus of the main terms related to media security and the peculiarities of Ukrainian journalism within the framework of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine and fakes that spread on the territory of Ukraine and the world. Also, the deduction method helped to study the typology of manipulations used in the context of military aggression to influence journalistic practice and the formation of public opinion, which included the study of manipulation categories such as fake news, distorted facts, misinterpretation, satire and parody, as well as conspiracy theories.

 

RESULTS

The modern development of information technologies and the speed of spread of electronic media pose new challenges to society in the context of a full-scale hybrid war, which has been ongoing since 2022, in particular the spread of false and distorted information known as “fakes”.

There are several key factors that contribute to the spread and influence the reception of this news. Firstly, trust plays an important role. Fake news can use different strategies to gain attention and create the impression of credibility. This may include using emotionally charged headlines, manipulating facts and sources of information, or using stereotypes. In addition, the confirmation effect has an impact on the perception of fake news. People exposed to this effect are more likely to accept information that matches their pre-existing views and ideas. This can increase the spread of fake news among such individuals. Psychological emotionality also plays an important role in the spread of fake news. Headlines, sensational information, and the creation of threatening scenarios can trigger an emotional response in readers, which contributes to the spread of such news.(9,10,11)

Social context also matters in the spread of fake news. People trust their acquaintances, colleagues, or groups with whom they communicate on social networks and are more inclined to accept the information they share.(12,13) This can create an environment conducive to the spread of fake news. In general, understanding the psychological aspects of fake news can help in the development of effective strategies to combat the spread of such news and increase information literacy among citizens.(14) Fakes are classified as follows:

1. Fake News. Information that is wholly or partially fabricated and disseminated with the intent of deceiving the public.

2. Misleading Facts. Information that contains distortions of facts or false statements in order to influence the opinion of the audience.

3. Misinterpretation. Information that misinterprets the events or the given context, which may lead to a distortion of the true meaning.

4. Satire and Parody. Information that is humorous or parodic in nature and is not intended to cause harm, but may be perceived as true.

5. Conspiracy Theories. Information that is based on unsubstantiated claims or conspiracy theories that are not supported by scientific evidence.(15)

Understanding the types of fake information can be useful in combating the spread of fake news and providing a more accurate assessment of the certainty of information in social media and news sources.

The rapid development of modern technologies affects the information environment, changing the way information is perceived. Instead of traditional mass media, social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, groups and channels in messengers such as Telegram and Viber, as well as video hosting, take a leading position in the creation and distribution of content. This allows users to quickly get the necessary information and solve tasks, but at the same time, new problems arise. One such problem is the spread of false information and fake news, which are becoming effective tools of modern information operations.

It is worth noting aspects that affect the spread of fake news in social networks:

1. Network structure. Research can analyse which users have an influential position on the network, who are “frontrunners” in the spread of fake news, or who belong to groups with common interests.

2. User activity. It is important to consider how often users post news, comments, retweets, and how actively they interact with other users.

3. Information interaction. It analyses how often users share links to fake news, how they react to them, and how this affects the spread of misinformation.

4. Style of publications. Research can take into account the style of writing, the use of headlines, images or hashtags that indicate a tendency to spread fake news.(16)

These aspects make it possible to identify features of user behaviour that contribute to the spread of fake news in social networks. Analysing these aspects helps in profiling and identifying users who actively contribute to the spread of disinformation, which can be useful for developing effective anti-fake strategies.

A review of legislative documents and international normative acts is also important for understanding the legal context and framework regulating the activities of Ukrainian journalism and ensuring media security.(17,18,19) In particular, Law of Ukraine No. 2849-IX “On Media”(20) is an important tool for ensuring media security in Ukrainian journalism, especially in the context of full-scale Russian aggression. This law regulates issues related to freedom of expression, media protection and access to information. It establishes the rights and obligations of journalists, the principles of media ethics, as well as the mechanisms for considering complaints and regulating the media market. It also provides for liability for violations of legislation in the field of media and establishes procedures for granting licences for media activities. Its main goal is to create conditions for the development of a free, independent and diverse media sphere in Ukraine.

In turn, Law of Ukraine No. 2657-XII “On Information”(21) is another important legislative document that plays a significant role in ensuring media security. This law defines the basic principles of collection, storage, processing, and dissemination of information, including information disseminated through mass media. It also establishes requirements for access to information, confidentiality, right to information and liability for unlawful use of information. The Law “On Information” resolves issues related to restrictions on access to information in cases where it is necessary to protect national security, public order, health and morals, and also ensures the right to information and openness of information processes in society.

According to the information security strategy defined by the government and the president of Ukraine, ensuring media security is one of the main priorities.(22) The strategy establishes the goal of ensuring the protection of the information space from negative influence, including from Russian aggression, and the development of a stable, open and transparent information environment. It provides for the adoption of measures to increase public awareness of information manipulation, the implementation of cybersecurity measures, the promotion of media literacy and the creation of conditions for independent journalistic investigation and coverage of socially important events. All these measures are aimed at increasing the level of media security in Ukraine and strengthening democratic values in the field of journalism and media.

This strategy contributes to the European integration of Ukraine by ensuring the stability and transparency of the information environment. It is aimed at protecting the information space from negative influences, including disinformation and manipulation, which may threaten democratic values. The measures envisaged by the strategy contribute to increasing media literacy of the public, building cybersecurity and ensuring independent journalistic investigation. These are important elements contributing to the development of free and independent journalism, which is an important aspect of European values. Strengthening media security through the implementation of an information security strategy contributes to improving the image of Ukraine in the international community and increasing trust in the Ukrainian media, which contributes to the process of the country’s European integration.(23,24,25)

Since 2014, when Russian troops first occupied part of the territories of Ukraine, in particular the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk regions, the country’s residents faced a serious problem of information isolation in the occupied territories. These territories were dominated by Russian TV channels, separatist mass media and information resources that spread manipulative and false information. At the same time, Ukrainian media were limited in their work, and communal and state media in the liberated territories had limited funding. Some regional publications hushed up the events of the war or reprinted information from separatist sources. This created difficulties in obtaining objective and truthful information, complicating the situation with media security in Ukraine. Some regional media hushed up the events of the war, such as the Donetsk News newspaper or Vremya in Kharkiv, or copied information from separatist websites, such as Taimer in Odesa.(26)

The Russian Federation continues to systematically falsify news for the purpose of manipulation and disinformation, but the Ukrainian side actively refutes these falsifications, providing verified information (table 1).

 

Table 1. Falsified Russian news and their refutation

Falsified news by Russia

Denied news

The Ukrainian government surrendered the country.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasizes that the video depicting the surrender of the Ukrainian government is fake. Its goal is panic, disorientation of the population and influence on the Ukrainian troops, prompting them to surrender.(27)

The civilian population became victims of murders and torture by the Ukrainian military.

This misinformation has been refuted, and international organizations confirm that it is the Russian Federation that is responsible for the committed war crimes of this kind.(28)

Kyiv involved female snipers in the special operation, including O. Pidhrushna (biathlete, Olympic champion).

O. Podhrushna rejected this information, claiming that she is fully focused on work in the Ministry, work with children and athletes.(29)

Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine treat prisoners cruelly.

The Security Service of Ukraine draws attention to the fact that the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not seek to show mercy to the occupiers, however, when the occupiers are captured, the norms and principles stipulated by the Geneva Convention are applied to them.(30)

In Ukraine, biological weapons were developed in secret laboratories

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine refuted the disinformation spread by Russian propaganda.(31)

Telegram channels spread information that the Kakhovskaya HPP dam was destroyed by the military forces of Ukraine.

Fact-checkers VoxCheck established that the video of the blowing up of the bridge at the Kakhovskaya HPP, which spread on Telegram channels, is a fake. This manipulation was aimed at discrediting Ukraine and shifting responsibility for Russia’s crimes to Ukraine.(32)

 

The Russian Federation systematically uses manipulative methods to achieve its goals. Widespread dissemination of fake news and disinformation about Ukraine is one of the tools used to change public opinion, create panic, disorientation, and despair. It is important that the population of Ukraine and the world communities be attentive and critically evaluate the information coming from the Russian mass media, and turn to true sources to obtain objective information.

In addition to the active use of fake information, it is important to note that during the war in Ukraine, the Russian Federation committed numerous murders among representatives of Ukrainian and foreign journalism. From 2014 to 2018, 14 journalists died as a result of Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine.(33) Since February 24, 2022, there have been 14 deaths of civilian journalists while performing their professional duties, 9 journalists who died not while performing their professional duties and 40 journalists who died during military service, six of whom were foreign representatives.(34)

The dangers and threats they faced underscore the need to strengthen media security and protect the rights of journalists in military conflicts. This poses a challenge to Ukraine in the development and implementation of effective measures aimed at ensuring the safety of journalists, establishing mechanisms of protection and responsibility for violations of their rights. Such measures are an important element of building a democratic society and contribute to the development of freedom of speech and the journalistic profession.(35,36,37,38)

Ukraine is in a struggle for freedom and democracy, and this struggle is important not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for the international community. Today, Ukraine has become an arena where Russian aggression and a society striving to protect its independence and values are facing each other. Ukrainian youth show great enthusiasm and activity in highlighting the situation in the country and fighting propaganda.(39,40,41) In this regard, there is a need for media literacy among young people, which will help to recognize misinformation and maintain critical thinking. Based on the studied research material, the main principles for ensuring media security were formed (figure 1).

 

Figure 1. Basic principles for ensuring media security

 

This figure shows that to ensure media security, it is necessary to follow four main principles, each of which is accompanied by specific actions and approaches. The main aspects of media security contribute to maintaining a safe media environment.

Conditions of war create serious challenges for media security. Military conflict promotes the spread of fake news, which can lead to misinformation and change public opinion. Manipulation and distortion of facts are common practices in such conditions. The media must be particularly attentive and critical in verifying information and adhering to journalistic standards. Maintaining media literacy among citizens is an important aspect of wartime media security. Coordination and cooperation between government agencies, the media, and the public are essential to ensure media safety in these challenging environments.

 

DISCUSSION

Studying research in the field of media security is of great importance and contributes to the understanding of this problem. Xu K et al.(42) argue that media literacy plays an important role in countering the spread of fake information in online social media. They note that media literacy refers to the ability to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information and emphasize the importance of evaluating the reputation of sources from which information originates, as domains with low reputations may be associated with the spread of fake news. According to the researchers, media literacy involves the ability to analyse and evaluate the content of information. Comparing with the results of this study, it should be noted that the development of critical thinking and information analysis contributes to the ability to assess the veracity of information and identify signs of fake news, which increases the level of media security in society, especially in the framework of a full-scale war.

Gerodimos R(43) emphasizes that young people must have the ability to critically evaluate and analyse the information that reaches them through the media. He believes that media literacy helps young people understand how information shapes their consciousness and perception of the world, as well as how it affects their attitude to global issues. The scientist notes that media literacy plays an important role in creating security conditions and involving young people in global events, which is relevant in the current war in Ukraine. Comparing with the results of this study, it is worth noting not only critical thinking, but also the availability of verified information, compliance with media ethical standards and protection of journalists as the main principles for ensuring media safety.

Cheng L and Bao R(44) claim that the development of media literacy among students of higher education institutions has a significant potential in forming national consciousness and increasing national security. Educated and media-literate youth, according to scientists, can actively contribute to the understanding of geopolitical processes and the adoption of informed decisions regarding national security. Compared to this study, media literacy is a necessary element among all segments of the population, in particular within the framework of the Russian Federation’s war in Ukraine.

Swart J(45) notes that people with a high level of media literacy show better skills in choosing information that satisfies their information needs, they are able to consciously and selectively interact with various media sources, in particular with the mass media. According to the researcher, a high level of media literacy contributes to the audience’s ability to recognize, analyse and evaluate a variety of information coming from the media. Compared to research results, a critical approach to information and the ability to distinguish facts from disinformation or fake news allows consciously choosing reliable sources of information that meet information needs and values.

According to the opinion of Newton K(46) general mistrust of political information on the Internet has the effect of reducing the influence and persuasiveness of political information that is shared and discussed on social networks. According to the scientist, mistrust of political information on the Internet can be the result of various factors, such as the spread of fake news, manipulation of information, alternative facts and general scepticism of political actions. According to the researcher, this can lead to a decrease in trust in political messages and a lack of persuasiveness in conveying political ideas. As part of the war on the territory of Ukraine, where the Russian Federation continues pressure and large-scale disinformation campaigns on the country’s population, media literacy has become an important element of life, in connection with which, the level of media security has been violated.(47,48,49)

Cull NJ(50) draws attention to the state of Ukrainian journalism in the context of the war in the country. He emphasizes that the conflict in Ukraine has significantly affected the work of journalists and mass media, as well as the reputational security of the country. According to the author, the military conflict led to serious challenges for journalists and media organizations. The scientist notes that the state of war and the unstable situation create difficult conditions for the work of journalists, limiting their freedom and safety. Journalists often face threats that include physical danger, censorship, lack of access to information, and other obstacles. Comparing with the results of the study, it is worth noting that the sphere of physical danger is an important issue for Ukrainian journalism, because, among other things, the deaths of journalists while performing work tasks and military obligations emphasize the need to ensure the safety of journalists and strengthen the media infrastructure.

Pomerantsev P(51) notes that in the modern world, the reflex was to trust the strongest, which became the essence of the approach of Russian President V. Putin. According to the scientist, after the invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine in 2014, a media chaos was created, in connection with which the world had difficulties in understanding what was happening and did not react properly. The scientist claims that due to the hybrid war, Ukraine lost territory, including Crimea. According to the researcher, the image approach was felt both at the strategic level, when the Ukrainian national narrative was challenged and its right to exist was questioned, and at the tactical level, when chaos was caused by such incidents as the downing of the Malaysian airliner MH17 in July 2014. Comparing with the results of this study, it is important to note that the events in Ukraine in 2014 showed the consequences of the lack of media security and the importance of strengthening it today.

Gunawan Y et al.(52) argue that in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the protection of journalists on the battlefield under international humanitarian law is essential. They emphasize the need to protect journalists as neutral observers who play an important role in providing objective information about events on the battlefield. Researchers emphasize that journalists must be protected from violence and harassment to ensure their safety and the ability to independently perform their professional duties. However, comparing these conclusions with real events on the territory of Ukraine, it can be seen that a significant number of workers in the field of journalism died. This indicates that although international standards and norms exist to protect journalists on the battlefield, their implementation, and enforcement are not always effective.

Pavlik JV(53) argues that the Russian war in Ukraine has a significant impact on the news media sphere. He emphasizes that the conflict caused major transformations in journalistic practice, changing the way news was collected, processed and disseminated. The researcher notes that Russian aggression has created difficult conditions for the work of journalists, such as security threats, censorship, manipulation, and disinformation. He expresses fears that these factors undermine the independence and objectivity of journalism and affect its role in society. The researcher also draws attention to the importance of the international community, which should defend the freedom of the press and support journalists in fulfilling their professional duties in conflict conditions. Comparing with the results of this study, it is worth noting that the Ukrainian media continue to fight against mass disinformation, within the framework of the war with the Russian Federation, in turn, the country’s policy contributes to the development of media security and media literacy.

Media literacy is an important factor in the fight against the spread of fake information in the online environment and mass media. The development of media security and media literacy among the population to detect fake news can contribute to the creation of a more informed and responsible information environment, which will contribute to the formation of general media security in the conditions of full-scale military aggression.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Media security is an important aspect in the modern information space, especially in conditions of military aggression. Understanding the mechanisms of the spread of fake information and manipulation helps to develop effective strategies for protecting the information space. Media literacy and critical thinking are key competencies that help people distinguish between fake and reliable sources of information. Developing media education programs and raising the level of media literacy among citizens is an important step to ensure media safety. Cooperation between journalists, activists, the public, and the authorities is an important factor in ensuring media safety. It is necessary to create mechanisms of interaction and cooperation to detect and respond to fake information and manipulation.

As a result of the scientific study of media security in the conditions of military aggression and its impact on Ukrainian journalism, important results and conclusions were obtained, since the study was focused on understanding the processes of spreading fake information, manipulation, and propaganda in the context of a military conflict. The research examines the typology of fake information that spreads during military aggression. This typology included different types of fakes, such as manipulative information, falsification of facts, disinformation, and misrepresentation. The results of the study made it possible to classify these fakes, establish their features and show a wide range of their use in the media. Future researchers should pay attention to aspects of media security, such as the role of social networks in journalism and the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on the spread of fakes.

 

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FINANCING

None.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

 

AUTHORSHIP CONTRIBUTION

Conceptualization: Yuriy Bidzilya, Zoriana Haladzhun.

Data curation: Yevhen Solomin, Viktoriia Georgiievska.

Formal analysis: Nataliia Sydorenko.

Research: Nataliia Sydorenko.

Methodology: Yevhen Solomin.

Project management: Yuriy Bidzilya.

Resources: Viktoriia Georgiievska.

Software: Nataliia Sydorenko.

Supervision: Zoriana Haladzhun.

Validation: Yevhen Solomin.

Display: Viktoriia Georgiievska.

Drafting - original draft: Yuriy Bidzilya, Zoriana Haladzhun, Yevhen Solomin.

Writing - proofreading and editing: Yuriy Bidzilya.