Pink Rockets And Drones: How Ukrainian Women Warriors Troll The Occupiers
4- 12.10.2025, 11:13
- 10,524
Ukrainians exploit the worst fears of their "macho opponents".
Last week, drone manufacturer Wild Hornets handed over a special batch of its Sting interceptor drones to Ukrainian defenders. The difference from the standard Shahed-killer is that these drones were pink in color, because the unit was headed by a woman and the operators were also women. As Forbes writes, the war against Russia is also a cultural war, so Ukrainian female warriors are exploiting "the worst fears of their macho opponents."
It is known that about 70,000 women serve in the Ukrainian army, of which only 5,500 are in combat zones. According to activists, sexism is still a problem, and some female military personnel complain of entrenched prejudice.
"This is a military that only relatively recently emerged from the Soviet system, and many senior officers are considered remnants of Soviet times. A 2018 poll showed that 53% of Ukrainians support the idea of equality between women and men in military service. By March 2023, after the invasion, this figure rose to 80%," the material recalled.
At the same time, in May this year, the 13 brigade of the National Guard "Charter" launched the first ever campaign that aims to mobilize women.
In particular, Ukrainian media reported on such female units as the "Buchanskiye witches", which is a volunteer air defense unit. These military members combine their work with regular civilian work, some are teachers, some are doctors, and some are manicure masters.
According to members of the unit, active participation in the fight against drones helps overcome the feeling of helplessness from the Russian Federation attacks that occur every night.
Also in April, the Unmanned Systems Force began recruiting for an all-female unit called "Harpies," which is equipped with FPV and bomber drones. The unit also has men, but "the role of the pilots who deliver the final strike will be performed exclusively by women," according to an official statement.
"This will increase recruitment of female drone operators, providing a supportive environment. It's also a great way to troll the Russians. The Russian army is extremely traditional in gender roles, fostering an ultra-machine environment where strength, endurance and brutal bullying are proud traditions. Becoming a target for women is likely to be perceived as a disregard for masculinity," Forbes analyzed.
At the same time, the publication writes, Ukraine's new FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile carries the same message, as the name and pink coloring of the prototypes were chosen by a female design team that wanted to emphasize women's contribution to the war effort.
""The production missiles won't have such prominent coloring because it makes the launchers too visible. But even the name 'Flamingo' creates a clear contrast with Russian missiles such as the Kinzhal," the piece added.
"In addition, a significant sign that women are involved in Ukraine's defense is a batch of pink Wasp interceptors."
In turn, many experts note that even in drone warfare, fighters must have a high level of physical fitness.
"The 'gray zone,' where drones quickly destroy vehicles, means that in Ukraine, troops often have to carry heavy backpacks over long distances. They must also live in difficult conditions for long periods of time. The number of effective female drone operators in Ukraine shows that women can fulfill these roles. Expect more bright pink drones to terrorize Russian troops in the future," Forbes announced.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com
