The role of journalists in the identification of informational and psychological operations (in the conditions of the 3rd period of the Russian-Ukrainian war of 2022–2024)

In the article, we investigate the role of journalists in identifying information and psychological operations (PSYOP) of the Russian-Ukrainian war of 2022–2024. We used the method of analyzing the reactions of 100 respondents of different age categories. We reviewed the advice offered by other researchers on identifying IPSO, summarized the data obtained, and highlighted our practical advice for journalists. The research methodology involved creating a questionnaire using the Google Forms electronic aggregate. We posted the questionnaire on a personal page on Facebook and Instagram and asked respondents to fill out the questionnaire, answering 7 main questions. The survey results we reflected in the tables and cyclogramas presented. Based on the survey results, we identified 5 signs of information and psychological operations and the principles of their implementation. We learned that respondents have an idea about IPSO and recorded an increase in the number of respondents in the Ukrainian media space with the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Journalists played the leading role in identifying information and psychological operations. Media workers acted as teachers in identifying Russian manipulations, informants about the possible threat of Russian propaganda penetration into the information space, and defenders who did not allow provocations to be “thrown” at the aggressor country. Respondents noted that journalists could be part of IPSO. We believe that information and psychological operations improved in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, so their study remains relevant. Key words: the role of journalists, the Russian-Ukrainian war, information and psychological operations, identification.