Putin and Zelensky in the Mirror: Anragonistic Leadership Through Visual Narratives in 'El País' During the Early Stages of the Conflict

• Julen Orbegozo Terradillos ^[1] ; Ander Pérez Fernández ^[1] ; Urko Peña Alonso ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea

     Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea

     Leioa, España

     
• Localización: Trípodos, ISSN-e 2340-5007, ISSN 1138-3305, Nº. 56, 2024 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Putin and the New Russian Imperialism. An Approach from Communiction and International Relations / Marçal Sintes Olivella (ed. lit.)), págs. 99-122
• Idioma: inglés
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  • This study examines the visual portrayal of the political leadership of Vladimir Pu-tin and Volodymyr Zelensky in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. By using a qualitative methodology based on the semiotics of image and employing tools such as Content Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis, photographs published by international agencies have been analysed in order to explore how these leaders communicate and present themselves to the public through photography. Nine specific categories of analysis have been established for the purpose of thoroughly examining ten photographs from the first month of the conflict: type of shot; presence of other people, or alone; framing; colours; context, setting, non-verbal communication, attire and aesthetics; and lighting. Images of Putin depict him as an authoritarian and autocratic leader, emphasizing his control, power, isolation through closed environments, his imposing body language, and symbols of national authority. By contrast, Zelensky is shown in contexts that are more varied and accessible, using military attire and gestures of resistance to convey solidarity, empathy, and participative leadership. This visual contrast highlights the distinct communicative strategies in the approach they take toward leadership. This study also highlights the importance of images in the construction of political leadership nar-ratives.