Damsels in distress: Fragile masculinity in digital war

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was a culmination anti-Ukrainian rhetoric that political elite and state-controlled media have been promoting at least since 2013. Apart from accusing being Neo-Nazi state, pro-Kremlin commentators espoused heavily gendered describing as loose woman in need saving by its older brother. Gendered discourse instrumentalized foreign policy not only through aggressive masculinity, but also femininity. latter, contrast, sought to downplay the masculinity associated with fascism consequently diminish Ukraine’s agency status compared Russia. This article offers taxonomy feminization shows how different types constructs influence success securitization process. Drawing empirical material social networks during first war 2014–2016, this argues against gender’s silencing role but, instead, central influencing every stage Moreover, author paved way legitimation current war.