Critical Discourse Analysis on Leader Statements in the Russia-Ukraine War

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the statements of the leaders of Russia and Ukraine about the war through critical discourse analysis. The research data were obtained from Anadolu Agency between February 24, 2022, and August 10, 2022. Data from secondary sources were analyzed within the framework of thematic analysis, situation analysis, word choices, and persuasion strategies. Research findings show that Putin preferred to use authoritarian language emphasizing "power" as it would determine the course of the war. Zelensky preferred a discourse emphasizing that the war continues on his land; therefore, Ukraine is “right”.

Keywords

• russia-ukraine war
• leader expressions
• critical discourse analysis
• being right
• being strong