In Ukraine, a group of female warriors has taken on a dangerous job.
Defends Against Russian Drones
According to Ziare, the group consists of five members, some of whom are only in their twenties. These women are soldiers, armed and ready, who can quickly position their anti-aircraft machine gun.
The team takes cover under trees and waits for approaching threats. When Russian drones come within range, they shoot them down. The group is known as the 'Witches of Bucha' and is part of Ukraine’s growing mobile air defense units.
They have taken on the critical role of defending against Russian drones, which have increasingly terrorized Ukrainian civilians and targeted the country’s energy infrastructure. Despite making up a small percentage of Ukraine’s armed forces, women like Angelina are stepping into crucial roles, especially as more men are sent to the front lines in the east.
A Symbol of Resilience
With tens of thousands of men being recruited each month, women have filled essential positions across the country, from working in coal mines to serving in territorial defense forces.
In Bucha alone, at least 70 women have joined anti-drone defense units in recent months, according to Colonel Andrii Velarty, the local territorial defense commander. Their recruitment is part of a nationwide effort to involve more women in defense roles, strengthening local units that protect against aerial threats.
These women come from various backgrounds — ranging from stay-at-home mothers to professionals like doctors.
The "Witches of Bucha" were inspired to volunteer after witnessing the horrific Russian massacre in Bucha, where hundreds of residents were killed during a brutal month-long occupation in early 2022.
The trauma of that occupation has driven these women to defend their homes with unwavering resolve.
While they are a small force, their impact is significant. The "Witches of Bucha" have become a symbol of resilience and courage, standing guard over the night skies of Ukraine. They are not just protecting their community—they are reclaiming their country, one drone at a time.
