Good Evening, We Are from Ukraine : Portrayals of Ukrainians and Russians in Ukrainian Music During Russia’s Full-scale Invasion

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, poses an existential threat to the Ukrainian nation and identity. Alongside the military defence of Ukraine, music has served as a way to rally morale and express pride in Ukrainian identity. This study investigates the discourses about Ukrainian identity in Ukrainian music during the period of March to December 2022. It uses Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how Ukrainian identity is constructed primarily through lyrics but also instrumentation and samples of speech. Drawing on Social Identity Theory, the study shows how Ukrainian identity is constructed in entirely opposing terms to the perceived Russian identity. In the data set, Ukrainians are represented (1) as united and (2) as heroes, while Russians are vilified in various ways. The study demonstrates the important role pop music plays at times of war, and how language can be used to bolster in-group identity and morale.