Female soldiers in Ukraine are speaking out against harassment and gender inequality within the military. Despite their dedication and sacrifice, women in the armed forces face a lack of respect, inadequate equipment, and limited career opportunities. They are forced to wear ill-fitting uniforms, including body armor that does not accommodate their female shape, and struggle to find suitable footwear. Other issues include the absence of contraception and proper medical care for female soldiers, as well as instances of sexual harassment and discrimination. While some progress has been made with women in senior roles, there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality and improving combat effectiveness in the Ukrainian military.
A Ukrainian female sniper, Evgeniya Emerald, known as "Punisher" by Russian media, claims that women can be particularly deadly on the battlefield because they are less likely to hesitate when taking a shot compared to their male counterparts. She highlights the historical reputation of female snipers as skilled operators since World War II. Evgeniya, who joined the Ukrainian army in 2022, describes the life of a sniper as a "personal hell" due to the close-up view of war through her scope. With approximately 60,000 women serving in Ukraine's armed forces, she is among many female soldiers taking various positions within the military.
The war in Ukraine is serving as a test for the effectiveness of Western weapons in modern combat operations. While some weapons, such as Leopard tanks and Bradley BMP infantry vehicles, have faced challenges, experts attribute this to mistakes in their use and a lack of training. The conflict has also highlighted the importance of communication and electronic warfare, with drones playing a significant role. The use of innovative tactics, such as collecting information through existing services and wiretapping, has improved awareness and coordination for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These developments are seen as crucial for Ukraine's success in future confrontations with Russia, as both sides seek to strengthen their military capabilities.
