Arria-formula Meeting on Ukraine
Tomorrow morning (20 February), Russia will convene an Arria-formula meeting titled “The Information Dimension of the Ukrainian Crisis: How Media Narratives Shape Conflict”. The anticipated briefers are Glenn Diesen, a Norwegian political scientist, and Andrea Lucidi, an Italian independent journalist.
The meeting, which will begin at 10 am EST and take place in Conference Room 12, will be broadcast on UNTV. It will be open to representatives of all UN member states and permanent observers, UN entities, civil society organisations, and the press.
Russia has prepared a concept note for the meeting, which states that its objective is to examine the role of Western and Ukrainian media narratives in shaping what it describes as “one-sided” interpretations of the conflict in Ukraine. It further outlines objectives for the meeting, such as analysing what Russia characterises as selective or insufficient coverage of key phases of the conflict; drawing attention to alleged crimes against dissidents, journalists, and minority groups; assessing the impact of dominant media narratives on political decision-making, including on sanctions and military assistance; and exploring whether a more balanced media approach could contribute to restoring dialogue.
According to the concept note, media outlets have played an increasingly influential role in shaping international perceptions of developments in Ukraine since 2014. It contends that early coverage of political changes in Kyiv emphasised democratic transformation and geopolitical realignment while, in Russia’s view, downplaying the violent aspects of the protests that preceded the political changes, the role of nationalist actors, and external involvement. The concept note further asserts that, in the years preceding the escalation of hostilities in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Western reporting did not systematically address alleged policies affecting the Russian-speaking population in eastern Ukraine or concerns relating to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), and that alternative perspectives were marginalised.
The concept note maintains that since February 2022, media coverage in many Western countries and in Ukraine became largely uniform and accusatory, influencing public perception, shaping policy debates, and undermining diplomatic initiatives. The concept note suggests that examining the dissemination of these narratives is essential to assessing whether policy responses are based on comprehensive or selective information.
At tomorrow’s meeting, Russia is expected to reiterate concerns about what it describes as one-sided coverage of the conflict and to argue that such coverage has contributed to escalation. Diesen is likely to address the geopolitical dimensions of information framing, including how dominant narratives in Western media, in his assessment, shape strategic perceptions of Russia and limit space for negotiated solutions. Lucidi may focus on his experiences as an independent journalist reporting on the conflict. He might highlight what he considers disparities in platforming and the treatment of alternative viewpoints in European media environments.
Several Council members are likely to offer differing assessments from Russia’s. Some are expected to reject Russia’s assertions and characterise the meeting as a platform for spreading disinformation. In previous Arria-formula meetings on Ukraine organised by Russia, several European members have dismissed such initiatives as efforts to advance political narratives and distort established facts. These members are also likely to reiterate their support for media freedom and independent journalism.
Some members may also draw attention to the broader challenges posed by misinformation and information manipulation in contemporary conflicts, including through digital platforms and emerging technologies, and emphasise the need to uphold international law and ensure the protection of journalists.
Other Council members may use the meeting to comment on current developments related to the war in Ukraine. The Security Council is scheduled to hold a briefing on Ukraine on 24 February to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country.
