COGNITIVE DIMENSION OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL MEANINGS: PROTECTION OF UKRAINE'S NATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE PROTRACTED PHASE OF WAR

Abstract

Abstract. The study aims to comprehensively analyze the cognitive dimension of the transformation of so-cial meanings in Ukraine and to determine effective mechanisms for protecting national identity under the influence of systematic psychological and informational aggression by the Russian Federation at the current stage of the war. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining philosophical, political, and sociological con-cepts. The theoretical framework relies on P. Ricoeur's concept of "narrative identity" and social identity theories. The study employs narrative analysis to deconstruct Russian propaganda myths, structural-functional analysis, and secondary analysis of sociological data (nationwide surveys from 2022–2026) to verify the actual state of the socie-ty's value consolidation. It is proven that in the context of the protracted phase of the war, human consciousness has become a full-fledged domain of warfare. Five key disinformation narratives of the aggressor have been identified and analyzed: "divided / artificial state", "usurpation of power", "Western puppets", "Nazis/terrorists in power" and "total corruption". Based on current empirical material, the failure of these myths to destroy Ukrainian subjectivity is demonstrated.
For the first time, the dual nature of the transformation of modern Ukrainian identity is comprehensively re-vealed. It consists of simultaneous external value consolidation (resistance to the enemy) and an internal demand for justice and government accountability. It is proven that the democratic reflexes of society act as an immune barri-er against the "failed state" narrative. Effective protection of national identity requires a transition from reactive de-bunking of fakes to a proactive strategy of building cognitive resilience.