The Image of Service Members with Disabilities in the Ukrainian Media: Problematic and Thematic Aspects of Publications

О. Polumysna

Abstract


The purpose of the study is to identify the features of media coverage of the problems of military personnel who became disabled as a result of the war.

Research methodology. The study is based on a content analysis of Ukrainian media. In addition, general scientific methods of synthesis, classification, and generalization were applied.

Results. The article identifies the aspects most frequently highlighted in the Ukrainian media when covering military personnel with disabilities: legal, social, medical, rehabilitative, psychological, and educational. It notes the conflicting attitudes of the state, Ukrainian society, and the media toward military personnel with disabilities. While the state maintains a positive attitude toward Ukrainian servicemembers and admires their bravery, obtaining disability status remains problematic. This process is corrupt and bureaucratic, and there is a lack of respect for servicemembers and volunteers with disabilities. The friendly attitude of medical staff sometimes correlates with poor-quality medical services, demands for bribes in exchange for disability status, and negligence and lack of preparation in working with military personnel.

Accessibility issues are currently becoming even more acute compared to the pre-war period, as there are now more people who, due to acquired disabilities, are unable to reach their destinations. The lack of a systematic, modern rehabilitation system contributes to military personnel traveling abroad to receive quality treatment and prosthetics. Educational and psychological aspects are sparsely represented in the media. Publications on this topic are few and far between. The issue of public perception of people with disabilities has been and remains one of the most critical, as it is vital for military personnel with disabilities to adapt to the realities they now face. Using «Suspilne News» as an example, a trend toward an increase in reports about people with disabilities has been noted, particularly about military personnel who became disabled during the war. On the one hand, this increases respect for them and motivates others; on the other hand, it places an expectation on them to achieve goals that are sometimes unrealistic.

The novelty lies in identifying the conflicting attitudes toward service members with disabilities on the part of the state, the media, and Ukrainian society.

Practical significance. The results of this study can be used in the teaching of the courses New Trends in Journalism and Issues in Newspaper Reporting: Society and Culture.

Key words: military personnel with disabilities, military personnel with amputations, media, conflict, society, law, adaptation, heroization.


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.32840/cpu2219-8741/2025.4(64).7

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