Title: Women in Ukraine’s Military Rise to Combat Roles Amid Russian Assaults
In the midst of fierce Russian assaults on Ukraine, a surge of women have enlisted in the Ukrainian military, with many volunteering for combat roles. Among them is a 32-year-old commander known as Witch, who leads an artillery platoon just outside Bakhmut.
Witch, a former lawyer, joined the military with her family the day after Russia invaded in February 2022. Since early 2023, she has been supervising artillery systems in the area, determined to stay in the military even after the war ends.
The number of women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces has increased by about 30 percent since the war began, with roughly 4,000 in combat positions. These women are taking on roles such as combat medics, snipers, tank unit commanders, and more.
Despite facing the same fear and hardship as male soldiers, women like Witch and another commander named Tesla are making significant contributions on the front lines. Tesla, a former folk singer, directs artillery fire and coordinates battlefield plans to support her unit.
However, women in the military still face challenges such as a lack of properly fitted gear and instances of gender-based discrimination. Senior commanders, often from the Soviet era, may look down on women in combat roles, creating additional obstacles for female soldiers.
Efforts are being made to address these issues, with the Ukrainian Defense Ministry launching a hotline for reporting sexual harassment and plans to create a unit dedicated to ensuring gender equality. Despite the challenges, women like Foxy, Kateryna, and others are proving their capabilities and determination to serve their country.
As Ukrainian society gradually overcomes skepticism of women in the military, the new generation of female soldiers and their allies are poised to continue breaking barriers and addressing discrimination in the armed forces.
