Threat scenarios in the Ukraine Conflict

Abstract

This paper explores metaphors used in Russian and Ukrainian parliamentary and TV debates during the Ukraine conflict from November 2013 to November 2015. It adopts proximisation theory to the target domain of approaching danger illustrated by different source domains (motion, border crossing, disease, fire and explosives). It thus showcases the plight of a country whose territorial integrity has been violated and whose nationhood is questioned by its powerful neighbour and former dominator.