Framing the Ukrainian refugee crisis: A cross-country media analysis during the early Russia-Ukraine conflict

Abstract

This study explores how media in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Türkiye framed the Ukrainian refugee crisis during the early phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A content analysis of eight news outlets highlights a bias favouring Ukrainian refugees, with positive frames – including economic benefit, cultural affinity, victimhood, humanitarian aid and military support – dominating negative frames related to cultural, economic and security threats. The findings suggest a cross-country media focus on humanitarian concerns, reflecting broader sympathy towards Ukrainian refugees. The study contributes to framing theory by identifying cross-country differences in media framing and their implications for understanding refugee representation.