ASSESSMENT OF THE CAPABILITIES OF THE DEFENSE AND SECURITY FORCES OF UKRAINE IN THE FIELD OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract

Background. The article analyzes an expert survey of editors and journalists of the Ukrainian mass media, that evaluates the strategic communications of the defense and security forces of Ukraine, primarily the Armed Forces. These communications affect the whole range of attitudes:  the Ukrainians' morale, faith in victory, Ukraine's success in the informational war with russia both locally and in other countries; NATO's and EU's willingness to aid Ukraine and their citizens' attitude to the russo-ukrainian war.

Methods. The study of the effectiveness of the strategic communications of defense and security forces of Ukraine was conducted on the basis of a survey of journalists and heads of the Ukrainian mass media, who provided Likert scale based assessments based of various aspects of the communication activities of the defense and security forces.

Results. The results show both high ratings and positive feedback regarding the law enforcement agencies' dissemination of information via social networks. Also, Ukrainian mass media actively use international sources, when the official structures of the Security Service of Ukraine maintain a regime of silence or other restrictions for various reasons, justified under the martial law in a country at war. Ukrainian editors and journalists rely on the materials of the Institute for the Study of War, the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain and British Intelligence, the Bellingcat's joint journalistic investigation, a number of leading publications, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times. They publish extensive analytical materials based on assessments and forecasts that allow a better understanding of the context of the policies of democratic countries (in particular, the USA, EU, Great Britain), especially regarding aid to Ukraine.

ConclusIons. The official communications of the defense and security forces of Ukraine are characterized by promptness, regularity and modern approaches. A high level of trust in the military demonstrates the possibility of more professional and detailed materials on the course of battle actions, like analytical materials, interviews with direct participants, commanders and fighters.