The use of media in conflicts

Leah Finney
Mar 1
2 min read

As the media has changed it has brought to light different perspectives and views and given a stronger voice to the people changing how we view conflicts. In Ukraine the media has played a role in exposing the harsh reality people are experiencing. Videos amassing millions of views depicting bombing, destruction, and everyday life for these citizens. They offer a new view that wouldn't have been possible without social media enabling their ability to contradict propaganda, define their narrative, and create fundraising.

These fundraisers garnered success and attention in particular “United24media” a group dedicated to being a digital voice for Ukraine. In the first 4 months of 2025 alone they raised 398 million dollars for their cause: donating 91.04% of their proceeds to Ukraine’s defense sector. Along with listing the supplies they were able to purchase and deliver to Ukraine: including but not limited to, 240 medical evacuation vehicles. They gained their support through a team of 26 prominent Ukrainian ambassadors spanning fields such as Music, science, film, and sports. But they use their website for more than just donations including tabs like: news, life in Ukraine, Culture, and perspectives.

Others use the media to tell their story accounts like the Kyiv Independent uses their platform to give perspective to tik tok viewers posting news along with daily life. Posting a video just 2 days ago (1/18) showing a local theater’s audience using lanterns to light a performance because of the widespread power outages. Especially as the temperatures are dropping to -4 degrees fahrenheit, airstrikes are targeting their energy infrastructure in Kyiv to purposely prevent heating of homes and buildings.These outages are leaving 70% of Kyiv without electricity and in turn without heat in -8 degree weather.

These perspectives are gaining traction due to the media we have today. This is the largest land war since world war II and we have a chance to flip the narrative and share stories that garner support like “United24Media” and accounts like the Kyiv Independent.

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