Ukrainian Women's Military Participation Increases Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its fourth year, there has been a notable increase in the number of Ukrainian women joining the country's armed forces. This trend occurs amidst persistent troop shortages.
Rising Enrollment and Shifting Roles
Maryna Mytsiuk, 27, a folklore scholar, is currently undergoing military training at a shooting range near Kyiv, preparing for deployment. She seeks a combat role, actively training to meet the physical requirements. Mytsiuk's experience highlights a perceived shift in the military's receptiveness towards women since the initial phase of the full-scale invasion, when her early attempts to enlist were met with suggestions for non-combat duties. Despite opposition from her mother and her boyfriend, a soldier, Mytsiuk pursued a second military degree and applied to special forces units. She anticipates a future where all capable Ukrainians may be required to participate in the conflict.
Women in Ukraine are not subject to mandatory conscription, unlike men aged 25-60, making their military service voluntary. As of January, the Ukrainian military reported over 70,000 women serving in its ranks, constituting approximately 8% of the total armed forces. Oksana Hryhorieva, the military's gender adviser, noted a 40% increase in female participation since 2021.
Historically, the military was structured in a way that restricted women. Prior to a 2018 law, women were legally barred from serving in combat positions or pursuing all disciplines at military universities. Women who fought on the front lines following the 2014 invasion of eastern and southern Ukraine were often officially classified as noncombatants, with Hryhorieva citing instances of skilled snipers being listed as cooks in official documents. Today, women comprise about 20% of military cadets, and thousands are officially deployed in combat roles, including as fighter pilots, artillery commanders, drone operators, and engineers. Recruitment campaigns by brigades like Khartiia and Azov now feature women, with Khartiia's ground robotic systems division highlighting a female soldier, Jess, in its advertising.
Roles in Drone Operations
At a Khartiia camp in northeastern Ukraine, drone pilots Yevheniia (call sign "Furia," 19) and Dasha (call sign "Galactica," 23) are part of a 15-person FPV drone unit, where they are among three women. Yevheniia stated her commitment to her role despite questions from some male soldiers. Dasha, who had previously planned a career as a police officer, acknowledged her mother's concerns regarding her choice of a military profession.
Daria, a former software engineer in her early 30s, operates aerial drones. She shared that many of her relatives are unaware of her military service, believing she should be in a safer location. Daria initially volunteered in humanitarian aid before training in FPV drone operation, finding the Khartiia brigade welcoming of her technical skills. She has observed a growing distance from friends, some of whom have left the country to avoid conscription.
Experiences as a Combat Medic
Olena Ivanenko, known by her call sign "Ryzh," is a 44-year-old combat medic who transitioned from a career in restaurant management to military service in 2023. She served with the 47th Mechanized Brigade and later joined 412 Nemesis, a brigade specializing in unmanned systems. Ivanenko expressed a long-term commitment to military life, citing a strong sense of purpose. Her service has included significant personal losses, such as a close friend killed in a 2023 battle, during which she also sustained and recovered from a leg injury caused by a Russian tank. Ivanenko has noted a developing distinction in perspectives between military personnel, who focus on victory, and civilians, who often articulate a desire for peace.
Military Intelligence Analysis
During a Kyiv exhibition showcasing sea drones, Xena, a military analyst with a decade of experience, was introduced as a member of the elite unit operating these systems. These sea drones, some equipped with rockets and machine guns, have been deployed in engagements against Russian assets in the Black Sea. Xena, who joined the unit post-invasion, noted that she is often the sole woman on her team and occasionally encounters traditional expectations regarding support roles. She highlighted motivation as a key factor in the conflict.
Casualties and Future Outlook
In early September, a funeral was held in Kyiv for Daria Lopatina, 19, an engineer with the Azov brigade's special forces, who had left her studies to enlist. Ruslan Shelar, a Defense Ministry employee, observed an increase in female enlistment, particularly among younger women who, like Lopatina, grew up during the conflict initiated in 2014. The Ukrainian armed forces do not publicly disclose casualty figures, including those for female soldiers. Maryna Mytsiuk, the new recruit, expressed a preparedness for the risks of military service, stating a preference for combat over civilian casualty.