Ukrainian Women Embrace Combat Roles as Technology Reshapes the Battlefield
By Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press — December 6, 2025
KHARKIV, Ukraine — Nearly four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the role of women in Ukraine’s military is evolving rapidly. More than 70,000 women served in the Ukrainian armed forces in 2025, marking a 20% increase since 2022. This surge is largely attributed to the technological transformation of modern warfare, which has opened new pathways for women to take on active combat and technical roles.
From Civilian Life to Combat Drone Pilots
When the war began, Monka, a 26-year-old Ukrainian soldier, saw few combat roles available for women. However, the rise of drone warfare changed that. Last year, she transitioned from managing a restaurant abroad to joining Ukraine’s military as a pilot of short-range, first-person view (FPV) drones. Serving in the Unmanned Systems Battalion of the Third Army Corps, Monka highlights how technology enables delivery of ammunition remotely, sparing soldiers the dangers of frontline supply runs.
“The fact that technology lets us deliver ammunition without carrying it in our hands or running it to the front line — that’s incredible,” Monka said, speaking via her military callsign as per protocol.
Women Increasingly Filling Technological and Combat Roles
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reports that over 5,500 women are deployed directly on the front line in 2025. Several military units have tailored recruitment campaigns to encourage women to join combat and technical positions, signifying Kyiv’s intent to bolster its military strength despite ongoing peace negotiations contemplating limits on the army’s future size.
Volodymyr Dehtyarov, public affairs officer for the Khartiia Corps, notes a 20% rise in female personnel since 2024, fueled in part by recruitment efforts in partnership with the Dignitas Foundation, which supports innovation and civic projects. “The more technology we have, like drones, the more historically male professions open up,” Dehtyarov said. The Corps also trains officers to effectively lead mixed-gender and multigenerational units, enhancing leadership effectiveness.
Breaking Barriers Amidst Challenges
Despite progress, some units remain conservative. Yaha, a 25-year-old soldier, initially faced pushback when she requested drone training, with commanders suggesting she take on kitchen duties instead. Undeterred, she taught herself drone operation during off-hours, eventually becoming a bomber-drone pilot with the 9th Brigade. “War is not cool or glamorous. It’s pain, suffering and loss. You just do it because you want to change the situation,” she said.
Similarly, Chibi, a 20-year-old FPV technician, recalls initial prejudices doubting her technical skills due to her gender. Yet, support from colleagues and her own determination helped her thrive in a role she finds more captivating than piloting. She advocates for increased female participation, stating, “The more women there are, the better the attitude toward them will be.”
The Realities of Drone Warfare and Female Participation
Olha Meloshyna, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, stresses that drone operation is far from a safe alternative combat role. Ukrainian drone operators are actively targeted by Russian forces. Nonetheless, women continue to advance in roles involving drone piloting, repair, and electronic warfare, critical tools on the modern battlefield.
Approximately 4.2% of the Unmanned Systems Forces are women, a figure Meloshyna regards as significant given that women enlist voluntarily. “We have never had any division — what matters to us is desire and motivation,” she said. The unit plans to recruit 15,000 new members, including many women, through a media-focused campaign.
“The Unmanned Systems Forces are a system made up of people — men and women,” Meloshyna added. “No drone is autonomous. It needs human involvement. And the more personnel we have, the more drones will fly toward Russia.”
A Changing Face of Warfare in Ukraine
As Ukraine prepares for prolonged defense and future conflict scenarios, the integration of women into combat and technological roles signifies a pivotal shift. The transformation brought by drone technology not only democratizes the battlefield but challenges traditional gender roles within the military.
For women like Monka, Imla, Yaha, and Chibi, their service symbolizes a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, driven by motivation, resilience, and a readiness to innovate in the face of adversity.
This report was produced with information from the Associated Press and ABC News.
