THE GEOPOLITICAL ROLE OF NATO AND UKRAINE’S IMAGE IN EUROPEAN MEDIA

This article examines the interconnected dynamics of NATO’s evolving security role, domestic political transitions in Ukraine, and the influence of major European media outlets in shaping international perceptions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The analysis highlights how NATO, confronted with intensified hybrid, cyber, and conventional threats, continues to adapt its decision-making structures and operational capabilities while facing persistent challenges related to burden-sharing, rapid response, and alliance cohesion. Particular attention is given to the impact of political leadership changes within Ukraine, illustrating how administrative turnover affects defense coordination, negotiation continuity, communication strategies, and vulnerability to disinformation campaigns. These domestic processes interact with the broader security architecture, affecting both external support and internal resilience. The article also investigates how The Guardian, Le Monde, and Deutsche Welle construct international narratives about Ukraine through distinct journalistic traditions –ranging from human-centered storytelling to analytical governance-focused reporting and policy-oriented assessments. Their coverage not only informs foreign publics but actively shapes political will, influencing governmental decisions on military assistance, reconstruction frameworks, and long-term strategic cooperation. By synthesizing insights from security studies, political communication, and media analysis, the study argues that contemporary conflict environments require an integrated approach: one that aligns military strategy, institutional continuity, and resilient information ecosystems. The conclusions emphasize the need for NATO’s procedural modernization, Ukraine’s strengthened governance capacity, and sustained support for independent journalism as core elements of effective security and democratic stability in the Euro-Atlantic space.