Portrait of Rupert Murdoch
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Rupert Murdoch on Ukraine

Anti-Trump Ukraine Stance (strong)

TL;DR

Rupert Murdoch's media outlets have strongly pushed back against political figures who deny Ukrainian victimhood or praise Russian narratives.

Key Points

  • The New York Post published an editorial rebuking a former President for denying truths about Russian brutality in Ukraine in February.

  • The Wall Street Journal editorial board warned that appeasement towards Putin over Ukraine would be a political calamity for the former President.

  • The media mogul reportedly had an unreported call with the Ukrainian President in the spring of 2023 to discuss the war.

Summary

Rupert Murdoch's major American newspaper properties, including the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal, have taken a strong public stance against rhetoric that aligns with Russian claims regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This position became particularly evident when editorials rebuked the former US President for repeating what they framed as Vladimir Putin's talking points and suggesting a willingness to "sell out Ukraine." The New York Post specifically challenged false claims that Ukraine initiated the war and criticized exaggerated figures regarding U.S. financial contributions to Kyiv.

The stance of these media properties suggests a developing rift within conservative circles regarding support for Ukraine, especially in opposition to one prominent political figure's skepticism. Prior to these editorial stances, Murdoch himself reportedly had a call with the Ukrainian President to discuss the war, and his media empire previously faced scrutiny for allowing commentary that echoed Kremlin talking points. However, recent documented actions indicate a clear editorial decision to publicly challenge narratives perceived as undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rupert Murdoch's position, as reflected through his major US newspaper editorials, is generally in opposition to rhetoric that favors Russia or undermines Ukrainian sovereignty. His publications have actively criticized political narratives that blame Ukraine for the conflict. He has reportedly engaged directly with Ukrainian leadership regarding the war.

Yes, the documented editorial positions of his newspapers suggest an evolution, particularly in their public criticism of certain pro-Russian or anti-Ukraine narratives emanating from within conservative politics. This marks a notable shift from past instances where some of his outlets were accused of parroting Kremlin talking points.

While direct personal statements from Rupert Murdoch on Ukraine are less frequent, his media empire has been vocal through its editorial pages. The outlets have strongly defended Ukraine's position and memory of Russian aggression. This editorializing intensified when certain political figures began echoing Russian claims about the war's origins.