Abstract: The relevance of the present study is determined by the importance of mythologization in modern global processes the formation of a multipolar world presents an example of. Each of the forming "poles" requires a mythological basis comprising and establishing its specific historical mission and worldview uniqueness. The deployment of previous narratives and the creation of new ones spreading in the media space and applying for mythological quality presents an important argument in favor of the "pole". The axiological approach to the study of myths in modern media involves referring to value analysis as a method of studying journalism. The study is based on the world-systems methodology that includes cross-cultural analysis. A study of relevant political mythology is carried out on the example of media coverage of the help provided by Russia to Italy in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain empirical data, the procedure of content analysis of media texts was used. The analysis of the state of media was performed on the empirical basis of materials provided by the InoSMI information and analytical portal and other leading Russian media. The following points are substantiated in the article: mythogenesis occurs in current political practice that can result in two mutually exclusive outcomes: further development of the myth of European solidarity, the cultural and historical community – the continuation of the historical myth, or its destruction – the realization of the operational myth. The analyzed texts demonstrate an apparent polarization of the forming mythological concepts fixating the images of Russia as an assistant selflessly helping those in need and a political actor seeking to realize their geopolitical interests at the expense of Italy. The semantic cluster groups of “Gratitude”, “Independence”, “Cultural interaction and solidarity”, “Safety”, and “Welfare” were identified based on mythological concepts. Materials of the present article present practical value to political functionaries and journalism theorists.
