The team of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs together with Ukrainian veterans created recommendations for journalists “How to write about veterans”. These developments will help journalists to write, speak, and show veterans in a way that does not harm them.
Read and share: https://veteranfund.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/how_to_write_about_veterans.pdf
The presentation of the recommendations took place on September 27 in the premises of the information partners of the UVF, Starlight Media. It was held in the training format for more than 30 journalists, guest editors, and reporters.
At the event, veterans who took part in the creation of materials played the main role: Maksym Kolesnikov – serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, employee of the Ministry of Defense Office for Support of Changes, Yuliia Kirillova – veteran, co-founder of the Women’s Veterans Movement, Andriy Bodnarchuk – veteran, commander of a volunteer formation, director of Trauma Medical Solutions. They answered all the journalists’ questions and shared their own and very different experience of communication with the media.
Growing prejudice and stereotypes against veterans in the face of a full-scale invasion is a challenge that needs to be addressed now.
Nataliya Kalmykova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, who was present at the event, noted:
“The responsibility of the media regarding how people will perceive veterans is huge. Each message is not just words, but something that will later turn into actions of other people. First of all, we should see veterans as human beings, not stigmas, patterns, and stereotypes. And this is our joint responsibility: to emphasize humanity, gratitude, demonstrating that a veteran is an integral part of society. The part with a “plus” sign”.
Veteran Andriy Bodnarchuk said:
“We must remember that sooner or later we will all find ourselves in the place of a veteran. The war will affect all of us – this is worth realizing. And the image of a veteran that we will form will apply to most of us.”
Veteran Maksym Kolesnikov emphasized:
“I would like to address the journalists. Your weapon is significant and essential, and your contribution to victory is great. And if you make it clear to society the image of a veteran that after returning from the army, the military will meet respect and be able to realize themselves in civilian life – this will remove the anxiety and fear of veterans about returning to civilian life. It is you who can create a sense of belief that there is life after war. And for those who are afraid of mobilization and hesitate whether to join the ranks of the Defense Forces – you will help make this choice easier”.
Veteran Yulia Kirillova explained:
“According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty is the duty of all citizens of Ukraine. Regardless of gender. So why should a woman in the army be some kind of “miracle”? I remember my path in the Armed Forces in 2014 – and I still understand those cliché questions of journalists during interviews, at that time, nine years ago. But why can i hear them even sound now?”
The next national survey “Image of veterans in Ukrainian society”, conducted by the sociological group “Rating” at the initiative of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, showed a tendency towards worsening expectations in society regarding the future of veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war and assessments of the state’s fulfillment of its obligations to the military.
Although today 79% generally believe that there is respect for veterans in society, on the other hand, compared to the last survey, the share of those who have the opposite opinion has increased from 6% to 18%. There is also a noticeable decrease in absolute estimates: in July 2022, 55% of respondents spoke about the undeniable respect of society for veterans, while in September 2023, only 25% said so.
Growing prejudice and stereotypes against veterans in the face of a full-scale invasion is a challenge that needs to be addressed now.
After 2014, in the media, a soldier who returned from the war was demonized to the level of “atoshnik = danger to civilians”, “benefits user”, “PTSD sufferer”, “we didn’t send you there”. These generalizations ruined the lives of a huge number of veterans. Because of such prejudices, it was difficult for them to adapt in civilian life, it was difficult to find a job, it was difficult to integrate into society in general, where you are looked at with fear.
After February 24, the number of veterans increased dramatically, and after the victory, it is predicted that the veteran community, together with the families of veterans and the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine, will make up 10-15% of the entire population. So we cannot repeat the mistake of 2014.
“Journalism has a significant influence on the formation of the image of a veteran. Through media, even the seemingly smallest details affect the overall context. We invite journalists to read our recommendations, interact and work for the sake of our common future,” emphasized the co-author of the recommendations, Deputy Executive Director of the UVF Karina Doroshenko.
“In order not to make mistakes, you should just be human. Remember that we have an enemy. And we have to defend ourselves. Take care of the people around you. And which are not nearby. Asking myself what will happen after I do it. We must do everything to make veterans want to return. And they didn’t want to return to the place where they are valued,” Nataliya Kalmykova concluded.
The event was moderated by Olena Rybinska, journalist, communications specialist of the UVF and co-author of the recommendations.
Thanks to Starlight Media for the organization and support.
