War Zone

Women soldiers in Ukraine

Photo by Maksym Pozniak-Haraburda on Unsplash

She walks through the ruins of what was once a thriving city, her boots crunching on broken glass and rubble. The tiny pieces of broken glass shine like gemstones among the rough. Her helmet sits heavy on her head, but she doesn't mind. It's the only thing that makes her feel safe in this land being worn down, destroyed.

How many more days will she endure as danger stalks?

She’s a woman soldier, one of the few on the front lines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, her homeland. She’s seen things most people can't even imagine, things she wishes she could forget. But she’s determined to do her duty, protect her country.

How many more days will she exist as danger stalks?

She patrols streets, looking for signs of the enemy, looking for activity. She hears gunfire and explosions and tries to determine where, us or them. She’s always on high alert, ready to react instantly, ready to engage.

How many more days will she remain as danger stalks?

At night, she sleeps fitfully in cramped quarters surrounded by other soldiers, mostly men. Her dreams are filled with scenes of home, of family and friends. She wonders if they're safe, if they're thinking of her. She misses them so much, misses their laughter, their tears, their dramas.

How many more days will she last as danger stalks?

She knows many don't understand why she's here, why she's risking her life for her country. But she believes in what she's doing, believes she's making a difference, helping protect the people she loves. This is her mission.

How many more days will she tolerate as danger stalks?

Day after day, night after night she fights for her country, for her family, for herself. She remains a warrior, strong and brave and determined. She will not rest, until it’s over, until peace has been restored to this land she loves.

How many more days?

Author’s Note

The women of Ukraine play a vital role in protecting their country and shaping its future.

More than 60,000 Ukrainian women serve in the Ukrainian military defending against Russia’s aggression. Tens of thousands more do their part to help their country as journalists, paramedics, teachers, politicians and artists.

[…]

Women lead on the front lines as well. Of the 60,000 women in the Ukrainian army, 5,000 of them serve in combat units, working as paramedics and snipers…

—Taken from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy website

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