Drone operators are hunted. You feel it from your first day': the female pilots on Ukraine's frontline

"Women have been involved in Ukraine's drone operations since the early months of the full-scale invasion, but as shortages in the military increase their presence has grown, particularly in FPV (first-person-view) attack units. Casualty figures are not disclosed but widely understood to be high, and Ukraine is becoming reliant on civilians to fill roles that once belonged to trained military personnel."

"A short but intensive 15-day course is given to a trainee operator for frontline deployment, a turnaround that reflects the urgent need. There are no official figures for how many women serve as drone operators, but instructors and unit commanders estimate that several dozen are now active or in advanced training, with more joining each month. Operators face significant danger as they work close to the frontline often only a few kilometres from Russian positions and are frequently targeted by artillery, drones and guided bombs."

"Dasha did not expect to serve. She spent the first months of the invasion helping as a volunteer, then moved into drone work as more men from her region were killed or mobilised. It wasn't about whether I was ready, she says. It was about the fact that there were fewer people left. Her motivation, she insists, is simple. Her two children now live in Europe, and she wants them to return to a safe Ukraine."

Women have joined Ukraine's drone operations since early in the full-scale invasion and their presence has increased as military shortages grow. Many serve in FPV attack units and civilians are filling roles once held by trained personnel. A short, intensive 15-day course prepares operators for frontline deployment to meet urgent demand. Official casualty figures are undisclosed but are widely understood to be high. Instructors and commanders estimate several dozen women are active or in advanced training, with numbers rising monthly. Operators work close to the frontline and are frequently targeted by artillery, drones, and guided bombs. Motivations include protecting family and securing a safe Ukraine; units report exhaustion and adaptation rather than heroism.

Read at www.theguardian.com