Female Fighters and Male Vulnerabilities. Gendered Depictions in Ukraine’s Visual Narrative of the Russia-Ukraine War

Abstract

Wars dichotomize (world) society and often reinvigorate “traditional” understanding of masculinity and femininity. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, discussions about the role of masculinity and war show how commonplace the problematization of masculinity has become. This article highlights tensions with “traditional” perceptions of masculinity as strength and femininity as vulnerability. Based on an analysis of Ukraine’s visual narrative during the first six months after the Russian invasion, we employ Visual Segment Analyses to uncover these tensions. Our results show how visual portrayals of female soldiers challenge conventional civilian or caregiving roles, presenting women as both defenders and symbols of resilience. Conversely, male vulnerability, illustrated through images of wounded soldiers, juxtaposes bravery with visible fragility, yet anchors masculinity in acts of sacrifice and valor. These depictions emphasize Ukraine’s narrative as a defender of liberal democracy and Western values, contrasting it with autocratic Russia. The findings underscore the strategic use of visual storytelling in shaping international perceptions of the conflict, revealing the complexities of integrating gender inclusivity in wartime communication. While these narratives disrupt some traditional gender norms, they remain embedded in established societal norms, reflecting broader struggles in representing modernity and inclusivity within a nationalist framework.