This introductory chapter outlines the rationale and contents of the present collection by first explaining the choice and definitions of key terms used here, particularly those pertaining to conflict and war, as well as to media discourse. Second, it discusses how the comparative, quantitative and qualitative studies undertaken in the CORECON project (the acronym stands for the COverage and REception of Russian-Ukrainian CONflict) were first ideated and then executed. This chapter also outlines the dynamic political and journalistic contexts that pose multiple challenges to cross-linguistic, discourse-oriented research, while at the same time making such research needed and relevant. Third, it takes stock of the methodological perspectives guiding the studies included in this book and previews the contents of individual contributions.