Ukrainian Female Soldiers Rise by 20%: How Drone Technology is Transforming Women's Combat Roles in the Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine's armed forces have seen a significant increase in female personnel, with over 70,000 women now serving in 2025, marking a 20% rise since 2022. Among these, more than 5,500 women are directly deployed to front-line positions.

This notable increase is largely attributed to advancements in modern warfare technology, particularly drone operations, which have created new combat and technical opportunities previously unavailable to women in military service.

The growth in female recruitment comes as Ukraine continues to face substantial military losses. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously estimated that approximately 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and at least 390,000 wounded since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Drone warfare has been transformative, enabling women to participate in combat operations without traditional front-line physical requirements. A 26-year-old FPV drone pilot identified as Monka, serving with the Third Army Corps, left her restaurant management position abroad to return to Ukraine and enlist. She emphasized how technology has revolutionized her ability to serve effectively, stating, "The fact that technology lets us deliver ammunition without carrying it in our hands or running it to the front line, that's incredible."

Drones have become integral to Ukraine's military strategy, being utilized to target Russian oil facilities, ammunition depots, and armored positions. These unmanned aircraft serve various functions – some operate as kamikaze units, others drop explosives and return to base, while many conduct vital reconnaissance missions.

Yaha, a 25-year-old bomber-drone pilot in the 9th Brigade, initially encountered resistance when seeking to attend drone training courses. She was drawn to the capability of striking enemy targets remotely, viewing drone warfare as "our future." Despite her enthusiasm for the technology, she maintains a sober perspective: "War is not cool or glamorous. It's pain, suffering and loss. You just do it because you want to change the situation."

Former professional hockey player Imla, 27, began her military service as a combat paramedic before transitioning to drone operations. She recalled the nervousness during her first reconnaissance mission: "To be honest, I even wanted to cry in some moments. But then, over time, you build up experience on the job and start feeling confident."

Military units like the Khartiia Corps have launched targeted recruitment campaigns to attract women for both combat and technology roles, reporting a 20% increase in female soldiers since 2024. Khartiia public affairs officer Volodymyr Dehtyarov noted that "In recent months, dozens of women have joined us in combat roles and are working successfully," adding that "The more technology we have, like drones, the more historically male professions open up."

A media-driven recruitment initiative is currently underway, aiming to bring 15,000 new personnel, including women, into both combat and non-combat positions within Ukraine's armed forces.