Name: How women are changing Ukrainian army
Uploaded: 2025-11-20T17:42:15.040Z
Duration: 2 min
Description: Over 70,000 women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, nearly 20,000 of them in combat positions. Euronews met with three Ukrainian servicewomen who did not have to stay in the country amid war, yet chose to join the army “because there is just one homeland”.

Over 70,000 women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, nearly 20,000 of them in combat positions. Euronews met with three Ukrainian servicewomen who did not have to stay in the country amid war, yet chose to join the army “because there is just one homeland”.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Women in Ukraine have increasingly volunteered for military service since the onset of conflict with Russia in 2014, despite not being subject to conscription. Euronews interviewed three Ukrainian servicewomen, including Lieutenant Oleksandra Lysitska, who emphasized the positive impact of more women joining the army on overall conditions for female personnel.

During a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels, the servicewomen urged European nations to recognize the broader implications of the conflict and to enhance their support for Ukraine. They likened Russian aggression to a disease that should be contained early and expressed gratitude for existing support while calling for greater action.

How women are changing Ukrainian army

Women in Ukraine are not drafted into military service, but they can volunteer to join, and tens of thousands have done so since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014. Euronews spoke to three Ukrainian servicewomen who decided not just to stay, but also to defend their country. The more women there are, the more they will be, there is no other choice. The more women in the army, the more comfortable and better every woman will feel. Oleksandra Lysitska, a lieutenant, serves as an officer of the Special Purpose Group in the National Guard of Ukraine. She joined the army following the all-out invasion. When asked why she decided not just to stay, but also to join the defence, she said Visiting the European Parliament in Brussels, they say the Europeans do not realise yet they might also face this choice. We need to train our forces, to learn, and to fight this evil together with Ukraine. It is better to copy the disease at a stage when it has not spread widely, when it is localized in Ukraine and has not reached you yet. But you understand that this is where the blood contamination will begin. We need to fight this, and it is logical, it is about self-preservation. And why Europe is not able to do this, I do not know. But we thank you for your support.

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How women are changing Ukrainian army

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Ukraine Invasion