When 'Tragedy' Becomes a Convenient Leverage Point
THE ACTORS: The primary actors here are the Ukrainian government, specifically its foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, advocating for harsh EU sanctions against Russians; the Russian military, responsible for the strikes; and the Western media apparatus, which amplifies specific narratives. Crucially, behind the scenes are the defense contractors, energy lobbyists, and political figures in NATO
countries who benefit from continued escalation and a prolonged conflict. THE FUNDING: Ukraine's military and governmental operations are heavily reliant on financial aid from the US and EU. For instance, the US alone has committed over $75 billion in security, financial, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since February 2022 (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024). This continuous flow of funds
creates a powerful incentive structure; narratives that garner public sympathy for Ukraine directly bolster the argument for sustained or increased aid packages. On the other side, the Russian military is funded by its state budget, bolstered by commodity exports that are consistently redirected to new markets despite sanctions. The Western defense industry, meanwhile, sees its stock prices soar
with each new commitment of weaponry to Ukraine. THE INCENTIVES: For the Ukrainian government, highlighting Russian atrocities serves multiple purposes: maintaining international sympathy, leveraging for more military and financial aid, and solidifying calls for further sanctions against Russia. For Western leaders, this narrative justifies continued intervention, bolsters domestic support for