News
On September 2, 2025, in Donetsk region, 19-year-old Daria Lopatina, call sign “Delta”, a soldier of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Azov,” was killed in action. At just 18, she took up arms and volunteered to join the Armed Forces. She spent the last year of her life defending Ukraine as part of the Azov Brigade. For the brigade, this is the first female soldier killed on the front line since the defense of Mariupol.
From student to defender
A Kyiv School of Economics student and native of Kyiv, Daria joined the Armed[...]
03.10.2025
Combat medic Olena Yeriomenko was killed in action while shielding a fellow soldier.
Olena Yeriomenko — call sign Leleka — a sister-in-arms from the VETERANKA Movement, was killed in action on June 29, 2025, while on a combat mission in the Sumy region. A service member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a combat medic of the UAV platoon, 3rd mechanized battalion of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura", Olena gave her life to save others. She absorbed the full impact of an enemy FPV drone strike, shielding her comrade.
She was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,”[...]
01.08.2025
This month marks seven years of the VETERANKA Movement — a powerful sisterhood born out of war, held together by solidarity, and driven by the fight for justice and equality.
VETERANKA has grown into a nationwide network of over 2,000 women veterans and servicewomen. Together, they advocate for rights, support military units, and help one another reintegrate into civilian life. The road ahead is still long — full of challenges and victories — but the Movement’s greatest strength already exists: a trusted community, ready to stand by each other even in the darkest moments.
To[...]
27.07.2025
The story of Oksana Ivanets — a woman who served for 26 years, went through war, discrimination, and ultimately found her place in civilian life.
She’s a retired lieutenant colonel, mother of many, veteran of both the State Border Guard Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military journalist — and today, a communications specialist at the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).
Her story is one of endurance, exhaustion, and the right to rest — and to honestly admit: “Right now, I’m just doing my job. Maybe later, I’ll be a leader again.”
For the[...]
24.07.2025
Kateryna Pryimak, head of the VETERANKA movement, has been included in NV’s Top 100 — an annual list recognizing Ukrainians who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development and defense.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and pride to Kateryna Pryimak, as well as to fellow VETERANKA members who were also honored in the “Military and Volunteers” category: Mariia Berlinska and Yuliia Mykytenko.
Our sincere thanks to the NV editorial team for their continued[...]
16.06.2025
Andriana Arekhta has been named the winner of the 2025 Woman of Ukraine National Independent Award in the “Defense of the State” category.
A senior sergeant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons operator in a special forces unit, and leader and co-founder of the VETERANKA movement, Andriana Arekhta continues to prove through her own story that a woman in the military is a symbol of strength, dignity, and an example for us all.
The entire VETERANKA team is immensely proud and grateful for her service and protection.
Due to her active duty, Andriana was unable to attend the[...]
11.06.2025
The VETERANKA movement and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War joined forces to host an event dedicated to Ukrainian women defenders.
The program highlighted the continuity of women's military tradition — from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN) to modern-day service — through a lecture by Iryna Kotsabiuk, head of the museum's department for memorialization and the culture of remembrance.
A photo project by documentary photographer Marysia Myanovska offered a powerful glimpse into the lives of women currently serving on the front lines.
Attendees[...]
23.05.2025
The VETERANKA Movement, with the support of the British Embassy in Ukraine, presents a new educational series on the Diia.Education platform – "Gender-Sensitive and Non-Discriminatory Communication in the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
This is a practical course focused on mutual respect, trust, effective communication, and understanding one’s rights within the military environment. Over the course of 14 episodes, experts explore how to build strong team dynamics, maintain morale, de-escalate conflict, and protect oneself in difficult situations — regardless of rank, experience, or[...]
01.05.2025
Kateryna Pryimak, co-founder and leader of the VETERANKA, a volunteer, has been awarded the prestigious Franco-German Human Rights Prize. This award is presented annually to activists from all over the world who dedicate their activities to the protection of human rights.
The French Ambassador to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière and the Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine Tim Pragne presented the award. Kateryna Pryimak was awarded for her tireless work defending the rights of women servicewomen and veterans in Ukraine.
“I am grateful for this award because it shows that our efforts are noticeable[...]
15.12.2024
When experiencing grief, we rely on both internal and external supports.
Internal support comes from our own knowledge, skills, and personal experiences.
External support includes other people, objects, and events.
Taking care of yourself means strengthening your physical well-being and expanding your sources of emotional support. Learning from the experiences of others can be invaluable. Connecting with people who have gone through similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and different methods of self-care. Books and films that explore these themes can also be[...]
25.11.2024