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Strategic Vision vol. 11, no. 52 (May, 2022)
Balanced Perspective Media narratives paint overly-simplistic view of Russian operations in Ukraine Aswin Lin
photo: Manhhai
I
t has been several months since Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine. The conflict—which was predicted to end quickly, just as the Crimea Conflict did in 2014—did not live up to these expectations. The media, especially Western media, reported that Russia was deadlocked and exhausted, thanks to the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and people, and of course, the charismatic leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Many media reports are saying that Russia is becoming desperate, tormented by the economic sanctions imposed by 39 countries. It is undeniable that the Russian economy has been hit hard by these sanctions. Protests took place in several places in Russia, and talk of a coup against Russian
Russian tanks roll through the streets of Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin was also raised. However, is Russia really deadlocked in this conflict, or is there another interpretation of events that we do not hear because it is not being reported by the media? This article will examine why the operation seems to have been moving so slowly for the Russians.
Meaningful results Many media outlets have speculated that Russia is desperate and Putin is very thirsty for meaningful results. There are already some reports that insisted Russian forces would eventually resort to chemical or nuclear weapons. Such speculation has been especially rife on social media. Is Russia really as miser-
Aswin Lin is a PhD student in the International Doctoral Program in Asia-Pacific Studies at National Chengchi University in Taipei. He can be reached at: aswinagustinus7@gmail.com