Russia’s claim of capturing Kostiantynivka should be treated with a hefty dose of skepticism, and yet, what do we see from outlets like CNN and MSNBC? Pumped-up narratives that give credence to every utterance from the Kremlin while downplaying the facts on the ground. Instead of digging for truth, they choose to regurgitate propaganda like it’s gospel. Imagine the world we live in: CNN loves to dramatize the Ukrainian plight while conveniently glossing over the ramifications of Western involvement. Have they taken a moment to question whether their so-called “truth-telling” is merely a shield for flawed policies?

Fox News, on the other hand, plays the “my-country-right-or-wrong” card, often reverting the spotlight back to American interests. They sell a narrative that emphasizes national pride over realism, presenting a skewed view that prioritizes bombastic headlines over a nuanced understanding of the conflict. Where is the fact-checking? If the narrative doesn’t fit the patriotic mold, it gets neglected.

Let’s face it, both sides are selling something—be it alarmism or bravado—while the sacrifice lies with the people in Kostiantynivka. The scales of journalism are tipped in favor of sensationalism over accuracy. In this media circus, it should be clear that you need to look deeper, beyond the headlines, and question what “victory” truly means in this context.