In North Ossetia, a mountainous region in the Russian Caucasus, cemeteries are overflowing with new graves, yet support for President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine remains strong. This remote area, historically known for its military contributions to Russia, has suffered deeply from the conflict. With a population of around 680,000 people, North Ossetia has sent a disproportionately high number of soldiers to fight in Ukraine, and the human cost has been severe. The number of reported deaths in the region is expected to be about a third higher than the national average. Despite the loss, many residents continue to support the war effort, echoing the Kremlin's narrative that the conflict is a fight against "Nazism" in Ukraine. In Vladikavkaz, the regional capital, the military cemetery is filled with new tombstones as families visit to honor their loved ones. Oksana Abaeva, 47, lost her son Albert, who was killed at age 20 shortly after the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. While she longs for peace, she believes Russia must continue the war to eliminate what she calls "Nazism" in Ukraine. Her 8-year-old son, however, expresses a desire to join the military when he is old enough. Anatoly Betruzov, a 65-year-old veteran who fought in three wars, including the 2014 conflict in Donbass, shares a more conflicted view. While he accepts the official Russian narrative about "Nazis" in Ukraine, he believes the current war is unjust, and men are dying for no reason, like his nephew. Others, such as Zelimkhan Kozaev, director of a traditional dance center, adopt a more cautious stance. Although he does not publicly criticize the government, he avoids encouraging men in his troupe to join the army. This hesitation is also evident in how people refer to the conflict—some use the official term "special military operation," while others openly call it a war. The war has had far-reaching effects on North Ossetia beyond the military. Labor shortages have emerged since the mobilization in September 2022, and the conflict has influenced institutions, education, and the collective imagination of those remaining. The Russian army faces difficulties in recruiting due to a shortage of manpower, and many returning soldiers have taken administrative roles. Schools now encourage the presence of former combatants to promote patriotic education, with a plan to hire a former soldier per school. These individuals share their experiences to instill a sense of love for the homeland. The region's history, including the 2004 Beslan school hostage crisis, has shaped a worldview in which Russia is often at odds with external threats. This narrative has been used by Putin to justify his aggressive policies and imperial ambitions.