Women Forge New Paths in Ukraine’s Military
KHARKIV, Ukraine — As Russia’s full-scale invasion commenced almost four years ago, a 26-year-old soldier, known by her call sign Monka, initially perceived a lack of combat roles that aligned with her skills. However, the evolution of technology has increasingly redefined the battlefield, carving out new avenues for participation.
In the previous year, Monka transitioned into the military as a pilot of first-person view drones, relinquishing her managerial role in a foreign restaurant to contribute to her homeland’s defense.
This shift exemplifies a broader trend where women are increasingly enlisting in Ukraine’s armed forces. Military officials assert that advancements in technology have played an instrumental role, enabling women to engage actively in combat roles.
Monka remarked, “The capacity to transport munitions without physical burden—through technology—demonstrates incredible progress.” She operates within the Unmanned Systems Battalion of the Third Army Corps and adheres to military convention by using only her call sign.
According to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, over 70,000 women were enlisted in the military by 2025, marking a 20% increase from 2022. Among them, over 5,500 were stationed directly on the front lines.
In a bid to fortify and enlarge its military capabilities amid ongoing peace negotiations—which might limit the military’s future size—certain units have specifically tailored recruitment initiatives to attract female personnel.
Authorities in Kyiv, alongside soldiers like Monka, regard the military as one of Ukraine’s few robust defenses against Russian incursions.
“We require a diverse range of expertise—engineers, pilots, IT professionals, programmers. It transcends gender; we need individuals committed to intense effort,” she emphasized.
Drone piloting has emerged as one of the most sought-after combat roles among women in the Ukrainian military.
When Imla, a member of the Kraken 1654 unit, departed her career as a professional hockey player to enlist, her original aspiration was to train as a combat medic.
For her initial six months, she served as a platoon medic, but the evolving landscape of military needs prompted her to master drone flying. Starting with smaller drones, she graduated to larger models capable of carrying explosives, eventually dedicating herself entirely to drone operations.
Imla vividly recalls her inaugural drone flight—an aerial reconnaissance mission. Upon receiving the controller, her nerves manifested as uncontrollable shaking in her hands.
“Honestly, there were moments where I felt on the verge of tears,” she reflected. “However, as time progressed, experience cultivated my confidence.”
The Khartiia Corps has similarly seen a surge in female enlistment, reporting a 20% increase since 2024. Six months ago, the brigade initiated a recruitment campaign targeting women for combat and technological roles in collaboration with the Dignitas Foundation, a charity committed to fostering technological innovations and civic projects in Ukraine.
“Numerous women have joined us in combat roles recently and are performing successfully,” asserted Volodymyr Dehtyarov, the public affairs officer of the Khartiia Corps. “With technological advancements, such as drones, the landscape of traditionally male-dominated professions is transforming.”
Moreover, Khartiia has embarked on training officers and future leaders to effectively manage mixed units comprising varying genders, ages, and backgrounds—something Dehtyarov asserts enhances commanders’ efficacy.
Despite these advancements, the Ukrainian military retains conservative undercurrents, and certain units still pose challenges for female recruits.
A soldier known as Yaha joined the military in 2023, initially undertaking clerical tasks. After three months, she expressed interest in attending drone training courses, but her commanders met her aspirations with skepticism, instead suggesting a culinary role.
“The restrictions were disheartening; I did not anticipate such rigid limitations,” Yaha recounted.
While stationed in the kitchen, she dedicated her free time to studying drone manuals and honing her skills through simulations in local computer clubs, purchasing a controller with her own funds.
“I was drawn to the prospect of striking adversaries remotely,” she stated. “It appeared to be the future.”
Eventually, she ascended to the role of bomber-drone pilot within the 9th Brigade.
“War lacks glamor; it embodies agony, loss, and suffering. We engage not out of desire for valor but to effect change,” she emphasized. “Yet, we are not invincible; we are simply ordinary individuals.”
In a dark, damp basement near the eastern front line, Chibi, a 20-year-old FPV technician from the Khartiia Brigade, meticulously prepares drones for deployment.
Initially, she encountered bias from fellow soldiers who doubted her technical proficiency based on her gender. However, she found support from a male colleague who aided her in her early endeavors as an FPV technician, a role she now finds more engaging than piloting.
“The military would benefit from greater female representation,” Chibi observed, her hair vibrantly dyed in pink and dark blue. “With increased numbers, perceptions and attitudes would ameliorate.”
Olha Meloshyna, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, cautioned that the perception of drone roles being less hazardous is erroneous, as hostile forces actively target drone operators.
The unit has witnessed an uptick in female personnel embracing technological roles—including drone operations, repairs, and electronic warfare—as drones have become pivotal in offensive and reconnaissance tasks on the battlefield.
Meloshyna reported that women comprise 4.2% of the Unmanned Systems Forces, a figure she deems noteworthy given that female enlistment is voluntary.
“We represent a facet of the new Ukrainian military born from the invasion. In terms of gender inclusivity within the Armed Forces, we have never adhered to division—what truly matters is motivation and dedication,” she stated.
Currently, a more media-focused recruitment drive is underway, aiming to recruit 15,000 individuals—including women—into both combat and non-combat roles.
“The Unmanned Systems Forces are an integrated entity comprised of individuals—men and women alike,” Meloshyna concluded. “No drone operates autonomously; it necessitates human involvement. A larger personnel base translates to more drones engaging Russian targets.”
Source link: Abcnews.go.com.
