Women Strengthen Ukraine’s Mid-Strike Forces
The Ukrainian Ground Forces are actively increasing female participation in their mid-strike units, which specialize in targeting Russian logistics and deep operational targets using drone technology. This recruitment drive, called “Women in Mid-Strike: Fight Like Princess Olga,” aims to address personnel shortages while empowering women in critical combat roles.
Roles Women Fill in Mid-Strike Units
Women serve in a variety of positions within these units, including:
- drone operators
- navigators
- analysts
- technical specialists
- staff officers
- drone maintenance technicians
According to the Drone Force recruitment center, women make up approximately 30% of monthly applicants. Female servicemembers are already active in the Separate Presidential Brigade named after Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, where they intercept Russian attack drones and manage reconnaissance UAVs. As Dmitro Udovychenko noted,
“the Drone Force recruitment center has successfully assembled and trained a dedicated group of women for these units.”
By March 2026, over 75,000 women serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with more than 55,000 in active military roles. The 18-24 age group shows the strongest willingness to serve, with 70% expressing readiness or probable readiness, and 47% considering military service as a real possibility.
Women in mid-strike units are tasked with operating advanced systems positioned roughly 20 kilometers behind front lines. Drone pilots undergo specialized training lasting one to two months and sometimes trek 10 to 15 kilometers on foot to reach their operational stations. The contested zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces extends about 15 to 20 kilometers, where Russian troops and equipment concentrate—making it the primary target area for mid-strike operations.
The integration of women into these roles not only broadens the capabilities of Ukraine’s military but also highlights the country’s commitment to gender equality within the defense sector. The Ministry of Defense and the NGO “Zemlyachky” have collaborated to improve female military gear, signing a memorandum to test a Female Combat Gear Kit designed specifically for women’s needs.
This effort reflects the expanding influence of women in Ukraine’s armed forces and their growing contribution to national defense. Employing women in mid-strike units exemplifies leadership’s determination to maximize all available talent to enhance operational effectiveness amid ongoing security challenges. These developments mark a significant step toward both military modernization and greater gender inclusivity in Ukraine’s defense institutions.
As the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to enhance their operational capabilities, the introduction of a new female combat gear kit by the Defense Ministry and NGO Zemlyachky highlights the commitment to support women in military roles. This initiative not only reflects the growing participation of women in combat but also aims to address the specific needs of female servicemembers, further empowering them in their vital contributions to Ukraine's defense efforts.