This article, authored by a historian working at the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, explores the implications of the Russia-Ukraine war on future Slovak generations. While discussions surrounding the conflict often center on energy prices and sanctions, the author argues that the long-term consequences, particularly regarding the youth, are frequently overlooked. Children are not just seen as victims but are also viewed as crucial players in the continuation of national identity and values.

The author elaborates on the concept of social capital and how children embody its most concentrated form. They are not merely future workers or voters; they carry the language, memory, and collective identity of the nation. The individuals involved in raising children have a profound impact not only on those children but also on the values and direction of society as a whole. As such, these children represent not just the future workforce but the societal values that define the nation.

In the context of war, the stakes are raised as children become targets in the broader struggle for national identity and continuity. The article calls for a shift in focus from immediate concerns to the generational impacts of the current conflict, urging stakeholders to consider how the war influences the upbringing of children and ultimately the future of the nation itself. The challenges faced by the youth today will shape Slovakia's identity and values for generations to come, making it essential to recognize and address this battle for the minds and futures of children amidst the ongoing war.