As a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, children's lives in the region have become increasingly militarized. Schoolchildren are learning about the war (or "special operation"), studying "patriotic values", and participating in activities like making small equipment to support the war effort. This paper examines how pro-Russian media has portrayed Russian and Ukrainian militarized children within the context of the conflict. Although the image of the militarized child has been widely studied in international relations, most of it has focused on the Global North-South dynamics. Building on this literature, I focus on the specific narratives surrounding children's lives during the Russia-Ukraine war. I identify major differences in how these children are represented: some are shown as brave and heroic, while others are seen as threatening or vulnerable victims. These differences point to childhood as a site where Self vs. Other identities are produced, and such portrayal can be traced back to the colonial relationship between Russia and Ukraine. This paper also looks at two unique aspects of the current Russian situation: the perceived need for militarizing society, and the powerful use of World War II as a symbol to unite people. Through this analysis, I argue that childhood is a key space where political and national identities are shaped. By looking at how militarized children are represented in today’s Russia-Ukraine conflict, this paper helps better understand how childhood is used in political narratives and identity building. Ultimately, the paper argues that childhood is not passive or universal; it is a contested and dynamic space where wider geopolitical struggles take place.
