In the ruins of a bombed-out school in Kostiantynivka, Eastern Ukraine, near the tumultuous front lines, 28-year-old Halyna Liutikova, clad in camouflage and a bulletproof vest, shares her experiences and the weariness that comes with two years of relentless war. Despite the desolation surrounding her, Liutikova’s spirit remains unbroken, yet the toll of continuous conflict is unmistakable. Known by her call sign “Liutik,” she was a playwright from Kyiv before volunteering as a combat medic shortly after Russia’s invasion in March 2022. Her resolve is shared by many Ukrainian women who have stepped forward to join the fight against the advancing Russian forces, contributing to a historic rise in female military enlistment.
As the war nears its two-year mark, Ukrainian forces, including a significant number of women, face mounting pressures with little respite. Over 43,000 women now serve in Ukraine’s armed forces, a 40% increase since 2021, undertaking roles traditionally held by men such as machine gunners, snipers, and commanders. The defense ministry has even raised the enlistment age to 60 in a bid to bolster its ranks amid a dire soldier shortage. This evolving dynamic is punctuated by plans to potentially conscript women, mirroring the draft for men.
Among these women is “Mavka,” a pseudonymous sniper and drone operator who joined the army in the initial days of the conflict. Motivated by the devastation inflicted upon her country and its people, Mavka, a former bartender from Kyiv, embodies the fierce determination that drives many Ukrainian women to the front lines. Yet, despite their critical contributions, female soldiers like Liutikova and Mavka face “kind sexism,” encountering skepticism from male counterparts questioning their presence on the battlefield instead of traditional roles at home.
The Ukrainian defense ministry acknowledges the unique challenges faced by female soldiers, implementing measures such as special accommodations, restrooms, and tailored uniforms to ensure their comfort and efficacy in combat roles. This support underscores a national recognition of women’s indispensable role in the defense effort, a sentiment echoed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military leadership through the gender-inclusive term for “defender.”
Also Read: Debt Demolition: Biden Erases $1.2 Billion in Student Loans for 153,000 Borrowers
However, beyond the internal challenges of integrating women into combat roles, the delay in military aid from the United States adds to the anxieties of Ukrainian soldiers. Both Liutikova and Mavka express their frustrations with the politicization of support, fearing the conflict might devolve into a protracted, frozen confrontation without crucial assistance. They emphasize the global implications of their struggle, urging international solidarity against what they perceive as a clear manifestation of evil in Russia’s aggression.
Also Read: Iranian Oil Minister Blames Israel for Pipeline Strikes Amidst Ongoing Shadow Conflict
The participation of women like Liutikova and Mavka in Ukraine’s armed forces not only challenges traditional gender roles but also highlights the universal stakes of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and democratic values. Their stories, marked by sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their country’s future, reflect a broader narrative of unity and resistance against overwhelming odds. As the war grinds on, the contributions of Ukraine’s women soldiers remain a beacon of hope and a call to action for the international community to bolster its support for a nation under siege.
