Women have played a role in military history for centuries.
While they were often limited to support roles, there have been many instances where they took part in combat.
During World War II, Soviet women served as snipers, pilots, and front-line soldiers.
In other parts of the world, female soldiers have gradually gained more opportunities within the armed forces.
Many modern militaries now allow women to serve in combat positions, with some nations requiring mandatory service.
Recruiting Both Men and Women
Russia has begun recruiting women into its so-called volunteer military units to increase its forces in Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia is expanding its recruitment efforts to include female soldiers, according to Digi24.
According to analysts, Dmitri Rogozin, former head of Roscosmos and a key figure in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, announced on January 19 that the BARS-Sarmat unit is actively recruiting both men and women from across Russia.
Russian propaganda has recently placed more focus on the involvement of female soldiers.
Official media sources have showcased images and videos of women training for combat roles.
This recruitment drive is part of a broader effort to maintain troop numbers as losses continue to mount in Ukraine.
Reports suggest that Russia is struggling to replace the soldiers it has lost, leading to expanded efforts to bring in new personnel.
The BARS-Sarmat unit is part of the broader Combat Army Reserve of the Russian military.
These units are technically classified as volunteer formations, allowing the government to avoid a full-scale mobilization.
While most of Russia’s combat forces remain male, the introduction of more women suggests that recruitment challenges are growing.
In previous conflicts, Russia has relied on women for roles in medical services, logistics, and intelligence. Now, some are being sent to active combat zones.
