TYPOLOGY AND FUNCTIONS OF CONTEMPORARY MEDIA NARRATIVES OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

The article investigates the typology of contemporary narratives emerging in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, revealing their role in shaping collective memory and the national identity of Ukrainians. Special attention is devoted to analyzing how these narratives function within the media space and societal consciousness. The objective of the study is to identify key elements in the typology of these narratives and assess their impact on society during wartime and in the postwar period. The research employs content analysis and discourse analysis to identify and systematize significant trends in the formation of narratives represented in the media and social networks. Content analysis examines primary themes, motives, and symbols present in different types of narratives, as well as their frequency and interconnections. Discourse analysis helps to investigate how these narratives function within the political, social, and cultural realities, uncovering deep ideological meanings and reflections of public sentiments. The scientific novelty lies in developing a typology of contemporary narratives that emerge during the Russian-Ukrainian war and analyzing their role in constructing the Ukrainian national identity amid the armed conflict. The article presents a comprehensive approach to studying both traditional (heroic, tragic, satirical) narratives and new forms, such as mythologized and subcultural narratives. The study also examines how the war influences the transformation of these narratives and how these narratives shape the society’s perception of the conflict. The findings reveal that contemporary narratives of the Russian-Ukrainian war fulfill several crucial functions, including the formation of collective memory, boosting national morale, and defining cultural markers that strengthen national identity. Heroic narratives help construct the image of national heroes, while tragic narratives emphasize human loss and suffering. Satirical narratives, on the other hand, serve as a tool for criticizing the enemy and fostering unity within the nation. The article also outlines prospects for further research on post-war narratives, which may evolve or transform, with their impact on societal consciousness potentially shifting depending on political and sociocultural conditions.