The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Three women with different life backgrounds — from a dental clinic administrator to a mother of many children — consciously chose service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to contribute to victory and the country’s future.
They shared their decisions and paths to the army in a video interview published on the page of the 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Roman the Great.
Before the war, Nataliia worked as an administrator at a dental clinic. She had long considered military service, but family circumstances did not allow her to take this step earlier. When the opportunity arose to leave her child with her mother, Nataliia decided to join the army.
According to her, the beginning of her service was difficult — she joined the army without any military experience. However, despite the challenges, training provided not only knowledge but also a new circle of support.
“My life was divided into ‘before’ and ‘after’. When the war came into our homes, I realized that I had to be here”, — Nataliia said.
She is now a drone operator. She says that working with drones has become not just a military specialty for her, but a calling in which she found herself.
“When you launch a drone into the air and see the ravaged land, destroyed houses, our guys holding the positions, you understand that you are exactly where you belong”, — the servicewoman noted.
Kateryna worked in a hunting enterprise before her service and is raising two children. She says that her decision to join the army was deliberate and driven by a desire to make her own contribution to the common struggle.
“I also want to make my contribution to our victory”, — she briefly explained her choice.
Svitlana is a mother of many children — she has five. In civilian life, she worked in the trade sector and had no connection to military affairs. Despite this, she decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, realizing that victory depends on everyone’s efforts.
A separate motivation for her was the service of her son, who has been fighting for the fourth year as part of the 93rd Brigade.
“I am proud of his decision and believe that I raised a true Ukrainian”, — Svitlana said.
She notes that her older children tried to dissuade her from this step, but ultimately the family supported her choice.
“Support is extremely important for us here. I feel that my family is with me”, — the servicewoman added.
The stories of Nataliia, Kateryna, and Svitlana are examples of how Ukrainian women — regardless of age, profession, or family circumstances — consciously become part of the Defense Forces to protect the country and its future.
