'It's scary - but so's giving birth': The female unit gunning down Russian drones

In the town of Bucha, a remarkable group of women has come together to form a volunteer defense unit known as the Witches of Bucha. This team is made up almost entirely of women who have taken it upon themselves to protect their community from the threat of Russian drones. As night falls, these women spring into action, ready to defend their skies while balancing their day jobs as teachers, doctors, and even a manicurist. The formation of this unit is a response to the feelings of helplessness many experienced when Russian forces occupied their town at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The stories of horror that emerged after the liberation of Bucha in March 2022 have fueled their determination to fight back. One of the women, Valentyna, is a 51-year-old veterinarian who joined the unit this summer. She recalls her initial fears about being accepted into the team, but she was welcomed with open arms. Valentyna, who now goes by the callsign Valkyrie, shares her motivation for joining: the loss of friends in the conflict and the desire to protect her community. 'I can do this work. The kit’s heavy, but we women can do it,' she asserts. The Witches of Bucha have been successful in downing several drones, despite using outdated weapons from the Soviet era. Their commitment to their mission is unwavering, and they are determined to show that women can be just as effective in combat roles. Another member of the team, Inna, is a math teacher who also serves as a volunteer. She humorously compares the fear of facing drones to the fear of giving birth, saying, 'It’s scary, yes. But so’s giving birth, and I still did that three times. ' Inna juggles her responsibilities by keeping her teaching clothes in her car, allowing her to switch from soldier to teacher in a matter of moments. The Witches of Bucha are not just fighting against drones; they are also confronting the painful memories of their town's occupation. They undergo military training on weekends, learning essential skills such as storming buildings and handling weapons. Valentyna recalls the traumatic experiences her family faced while trying to escape Bucha, and she is driven by a fierce determination to ensure that no one else suffers as they did. 'Life has changed, all our plans have been torn apart. But I’m here to help speed up the end of this war,' she declares. Another volunteer, Anya, who is 52, finds empowerment in her military training. She explains that during the occupation, she felt powerless and wanted to learn how to defend herself and her loved ones. The Witches of Bucha are not just a group of women; they are a powerful symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. They are committed to protecting their community and proving that women can be formidable warriors. Their bravery and determination inspire others, showing that they will not be victims but active defenders of their homeland.