Do you know there is a women-dominated volunteer defense unit in Ukraine's Kyiv that has been tasked to protect the skies of the war-torn country? They are regular mothers, doctors and teachers during day hours, but when night arrives, they put on their military-grade jackets and boots and ready their assault rifles to gun down any Russian drone in sight. They are the 'Witches of Bucha'!
Bucha is a region in the Kyiv Oblast of Ukraine. In 2022, Bucha witnessed the retreating Russian Armed Forces massacring civilians as they withdrew from the city, sending shockwaves across the country. The women-centric volunteer group is named after the place as it is where the volunteer group found its roots. With most men being away to fight on the frontlines, these brave women decided to form a line of defense at home and territories around the Ukrainian capital city.
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“The guys have gone, but we’re here. What can’t Ukrainian women do? We can do everything,” a woman serving in the 'Witches of Bucha' famously told the BBC.
Who are Witches of Bucha?
'Witches of Bucha' are called into action at night because that is when the Russian attack drones arrive. Moscow intends to keep Ukraine's main defence units busy dealing with these drones ahead of sending missiles. The women, positioned within forest cover, are tasked to gun down the drones the moment they are spotted in the skies. From middle-aged widows to some weighing over 100 kilograms, none are discouraged from joining the Witches, a BBC report said. Since the task involved staying low and aiming towards the sky, Ukraine is okay with cutting the ladies some slack when it comes to fitness. With most men unavailable, it is also a question of survival for the country. Overweight women are likely to do a better job than an underaged person or a military-aged man sans a limb or an eye.
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The women are equipped with Soviet-era machine guns and pre-WWII assault rifles. As they are highly unlikely to engage the Russian invading army on the ground, modern weapons are reserved for the soldiers on the frontline. However, they also have a limited supply of AKs and other assault weapons at their disposal.
“It’s scary, yes. But so’s giving birth, and I still did that three times,” a Witch told BBC while asked about her responsibilities.
The women are given military training on the weekends when they don't have to show up for their daytime jobs. Ruins and uninhabited buildings are chosen for training. For some, it gives them a purpose after having felt very helpless during the days of occupation. For some others, who have lost multiple members of their family to the war, serving a part in the war is the closest they can get to vengeance. Thirdly, there is patriotism -- the duty that the country demands.
Witches of Bucha on peace talks with Russia
The focus is back on 'Witches of Bucha' yet again after a recent poll indicated that around 52% of Ukrainians want the conflict to be settled through talks. They are optimistic of the bloodshed coming to a close as Donald Trump managed to win the recently-held US Presidential Polls.
Ukraine's military morale is dwindling as they have suffered heavy casualties in the war. While Russia can easily replace the dead with their reserves in thousands, the smaller Ukraine is finding it difficult to find fighters. The best Ukrainian soldiers have been able to do is hold their lines as Russia tries to retake lost cities. Kyiv has been on the back foot despite getting permission to use ATACMs and Storm Shadow missiles at Moscow.
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However, when asked what they feel about talks with Moscow, 'Witches of Bucha' members said they don't trust Vladimir Putin. The Russian President may use the discussions as an opportunity to regroup and redesign his occupation plans and strike a knock-out blow when an opportunity appears. “I don’t believe that this war can be stopped with the negotiations,” a female volunteer told MSN. “In three to five years, he (Putin) will come back,” she added.
