The Russia-Ukraine war dates back decades. While there was a pause in active conflict between 2014 and 2021, the situation escalated into a full-scale war in 2022 when Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine. Since then, according to various reports, over 107,600 people have lost their lives fighting for both nations as the war enters its fourth year.
Amid this devastating conflict, countless unsung heroes—soldiers, families, and supporters—have sacrificed their lives for a cause they believe in. Among Ukraine’s warriors is a unique unit known as the ‘Witches of Bucha’—a group of volunteers, many of them suburban mothers, who defend Ukrainian skies against drone attacks.
Here’s the heart-wrenching story of these fearless ‘Witches’ guarding Ukraine’s skies.
Who Are Zelensky’s ‘Witches Of Bucha’?
An unlikely group of fighters is on the frontline of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. The Witches of Bucha, as they call themselves, are a volunteer air defence unit made up almost entirely of women, now helping to protect Ukraine’s skies. Many of them are suburban mothers, defending Ukrainian skies from drones. These volunteers, especially those suburban mothers, are showcasing immense bravery by stepping up to defend their skies. For some, this mission offers a way to channel their emotions amidst the chaos, while for others, it’s a vital but anxiety-inducing task they feel compelled to undertake.
What Is The Main Task Of This Women Group?
Under many tasks levied on them, shooting down the Russian drones is the main one. BBC has reported about the group exclusively which shed light to Zelensky’s ‘Witches Of Bucha’. Recalling the experience, Valentyna, a veterinarian who joined the unit, told BBC that she has seen her friends and loved ones die in the battle.
“I’m 51, I weigh 100 kg, I can’t run…the kit’s heavy, but we women can do it,” she said.
There are night-time shifts, especially for working women. According to the report, there are teachers, doctors, engineers and even manicurists among the troop. A Russian missile strike often follows the launch of hundreds of drones.
There are also opinions that many volunteered to join the war to overcome the powerlessness they felt the Russian forces occupied their critical regions at the start of the full scale invasion. The torture and the abduction that happened in those critical areas was so soul-crushing and brutal.
About The Team
The team consists of mostly women, except for one man on the team. He guide the women team. The Witches of Bucha were all close friends. They call or text each other every day. They meet for coffee, go on vacation together. And every week, they’re back in the forest outside Kyiv, practicing their drills and patrolling for drones at night.
The Witches spend their weekends undergoing broader military training. Their first lesson on storming a building is when the commander visits the team, reported BBC.
Some may appear more convincing than others, but their dedication and determination are undeniable. For these women, this mission isn’t just a duty—it’s deeply personal, driven by their own experiences and convictions.
However, there is no public data on the total number of volunteer units or how many women are involved.
