if you’re watching developments with Ukraine and Russia, you may be thinking that a lot of what’s being reported doesn’t make sense or lacks context. We’re often getting one side of a story portrayed in black and white terms.
And it’s difficult to know what “news” is coming from which sources.
A good example is the early report about the “brave Ukrainian soldiers” on a place called Snake Island that told Russian military intruders to “Go F*ck Yourselves,” and died in a blaze of glory.
Many in the media accepted and reported the information as if they’d confirmed it happened, and without question. They said that Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy had honored the men posthumously for their bravery.
It turns out pieces of that story may not have happened, as reported. In fact, multiple reports now say all of the Ukrainian soldiers are still alive. If so, it would mean they didn’t receive posthumous recognition, as had been reported. It’s also hard to know if those reports are accurate.
What to believe?
A documentary called “Ukraine on Fire,” made long before the Russia invasion, provides a lot of context that’s not being discussed. Filmmaker Oliver Stone interviews Ukrainian figures involved in decades of civil war, infighting, and controversies. The documentary also explores the US role in Ukraine’s political upheavals over the years. And it discusses manipulation of media messaging.
Hellbound and Down 