Ukrainian Women Shape the Future of Warfare. Europe Must Learn

Just eleven years ago women were banned from combat positions in the Ukrainian army. Today they serve in drone crews and support roles in a force that has rapidly adapted and now defines warfare ruled by unmanned systems. Is there a lesson for Europe?

In the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, drone-related roles have become the most popular specialisation among volunteers joining Ukraine’s Defence Forces. According to the 1st Recruitment Centre of the Ground Forces, roughly one-third of candidates in early 2026 chose positions as drone pilots or operators, with the latter being particularly popular among female recruits.

Having been a combat medic myself, I spoke with my female colleagues from Ukraine’s Armed Forces who took up drones and joined the country’s fight for survival against Russia.

‘Housewives’ who can teach a lesson to NATO

Despite the words of Rheinmetall’s chief executive, who sparked controversy recently by dismissing Ukraine’s drone makers as ‘Ukrainian housewives with 3‑D printers in the kitchen’, Ukrainian women do play a crucial role in the production and innovation of drone technologies. They are also increasingly taking on warfighting roles themselves, piloting and directing the very same drones on the front lines. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), more than 80 per cent of enemy targets are now destroyed by drones, including both equipment and enemy personnel. In the words of Lieutenant Tetiana Muravyova, head of the Recruitment and Training Centre for Unmanned Systems Specialists: