Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine early last year, countless videos have emerged from the frontlines. Often taken by combatants themselves, they portray scenes of trench warfare, fiery drones strikes, and gruesome atrocities allegedly committed by both sides.
Posted on social-media sites, and often published in turn by media outlets, sensational footage has become a regular staple of the ongoing conflict.
One recent example shows two Ukrainian soldiers frantically defending a bombed-out trench from a determined assault by Russian infantry. Originally posted on TikTok, the action-packed video was widely shared on social media, racking up millions of views.
Smoke rises above Azovstal steelworks, in Mariupol, Ukraine, in this still image obtained from a recent drone video posted on social media. (Mariupol City Council/via Reuters)
Videos are typically filmed using GoPro cameras—or “action cams”—mounted on soldiers’ helmets or gun barrels….