Ukrayina Mozhe Borotis I Stoyati Same Zavdyaki Tomu Sho V Na 102213
Office of the President of Ukraine2 days
Zelenskyy Awards State Honors to Leader of US-Designated 'Nationalist Hate Group'
Above: Major Yevhen Karas (R) being awarded with state honors by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Dec. 26. Image credit: Ukraine Presidency Press Office
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
President Zelenskyy has awarded the highest state honors to brave Ukrainian defenders that have allowed the country to remain free and sovereign in the face of Russian aggression. A number of these defenders paid with their lives and a minute of silence was observed to honor their sacrifice.
Establishment-critical narrative
Not wanting to be seen as parroting Russian claims on Ukraine's neo-Nazi problem, Ukrainian and Western media have whitewashed legitimate issues surrounding right-wing groups. However, this has only caused the problem to fester and has strengthened Russia's assertions. Ukraine needs to meaningfully engage rather than seek to downplay the problem.