Women in war – Ukraine’s most valued soldiers

Author: Jena Chai

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shocked the whole world. We had just adjusted to Covid-19 and life was slowly reverting back to normal. Suddenly, on the 24th of February, Russian president Vladimir Putin declared the invasion of Ukraine and introduced a new danger to an already-ravaged world. According to the BBC and The Conversation, Putin’s goal is to dominate Ukraine and prevent it from posing a threat to Russia by joining a military alliance with the U.S. and Europe. The impacts of this war can be seen all around us - higher gas prices, increased bread prices – and at a much larger scale. The country known for its diplomacy has broken its long-standing neutrality to show its support to Ukraine. However, in Ukraine, the impacts of this war are devastatingly real.

According to the United Nations, there have been 549 civilian deaths and 957 injuries as of 10th of March, although the real statistic may be much higher. An estimate of 2,000 to 4,000 Ukrainian armed forces, guard and volunteer forces have been killed. However, it is also estimated 12,000 Russian troops have been killed since February. The invasion has caused 2.5 million people to flee Ukraine and 1.85 million people to be displaced. The vast majority of these people are women and children. However, not all are fleeing – many are fighting back.

Fighting back

Women make up 15% of Ukraine’s army, meaning there are roughly 30,000 women facing Russia on the battlefield to fight for peace. However, there are many unseen warriors posing a growing threat to Putin’s troops. Women are offering anything they can to help displaced people and the military. Amongst the many good deeds being done are medical professionals are treating refugees free of charge, business owners are donating profits to the military and seamstresses are sewing bulletproof vests for the army.

In the areas closer to war zones, over 120 female volunteers are documenting the atrocities of war for the whole world to see. They have gallantly risked their lives to film executions, bombings of shelters and horrific images of children with their limbs amputated. The group, named Dattalion, has verified over a thousand videos, which are viewed and downloaded internationally.

How can we support Ukraine?

Although we may not have thousands of dollars to donate to Ukraine, we can take small steps to support Ukraine.

1. Donate what you can afford.

You don’t have to donate thousands, but every cent counts. Donations will go towards the military, food packages, shelter, access to drinking water, children in need and LGBTQ+ groups.

1. Protest.

Everyone around the world can use their voice. From London to Tokyo, organized street protests have taken place to protest against the war. You can speak out in your community as well as online to reach a larger audience.

1. Stay informed.

Educate yourself on the war. Stay up to date with the conflict and learn how citizens like yourself are being affected.

Ukraine is being ravaged by Russian forces, with casualties growing every day. With enough help, we can end this war and restore peace to Ukraine.