News
Anna “Ruta” Reshetnyak, a combat medic with the engineering support group of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is one of many mothers in uniform who, for their decision to defend the country, became targets of judgment and painful reproach. She joined the army to protect her children, yet society often responded with condemnation instead of support.
Between art, teaching, and war
Today Anna is a mother of two sons and a daughter, a Ukrainian defender who served in the Avdiivka and Borova sectors, and who is now temporarily in reserve. She is originally[...]
17.09.2025
Alex is a servicewoman in Ukraine’s Defense Forces and the mother of two. Back in 2014, she wanted to enlist but was turned away — her younger son was only six. In 2022, she finally joined the army. Yet alongside fighting Russia on the battlefield, she faces another battle in civilian life — against social prejudice.
The Beginning of Service as a Combat Medic and an Injury
When the full-scale invasion began, Alex saw it as her duty as a conscious citizen to defend her country, convinced that victory would only be possible through unity. She spent three years on the frontlines as[...]
09.09.2025
Yuliia “Kuba” Sidorova is a volunteer, combat medic, and servicemember of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as a clothing designer who has turned creativity into both therapy and a way to support others. Design became not only the path that helped her adapt to civilian life but also her anchor today, even as she once again serves on the front line.
In 2019, after leaving the military, Kuba devoted herself to studying and working with clothing. She shared her process on social media, and soon servicewomen began reaching out, asking her to create “normal women’s[...]
02.09.2025
Motherhood during war is an act of courage that often goes unnoticed. Thousands of women serve on the front lines while raising children, yet their choice is too often met not with respect, but with judgment and painful words.
On social media, mothers who fight frequently face comments like: “You abandoned your child,” “What kind of mother doesn’t raise her own kid,” or “Why can’t you transfer to serve closer to your family?” Instead of receiving support when they share their stories, many women in uniform are met with a wave of hostility. They are cursed, accused of[...]
01.09.2025
A professional perspective on the role of women veterans in the family and the conflict of roles that arises after service, by Ellina Ilyinykh — certified psychotherapist, specialist in the EMDR method and sexology, facilitator of support and therapy groups, and psychologist with the VETERANKA Movement.
A Veteran in the Family: Between Expectations and Reality
When a woman veteran returns from the front, she does not simply come home — she faces a new challenge, as her military experience collides with expectations that she will “be the same as before.”
But how can she[...]
26.08.2025
Vladyslava Vasyliuk is the wife of the fallen Su-27 pilot, Hero of Ukraine, Denys Vasyliuk—known as "FLASH," a legend of the Ukrainian skies.
After losing the love of her life, Vladyslava began documenting her journey through grief in a video diary, which she shares on social media to support and inspire others who are also navigating loss.
In this deeply personal account, she shares her path through darkness and the invisible threads that have guided her forward.
The day I received that phone call—the one that told me my beloved Denys was gone—my life was split into[...]
03.10.2024
On Defenders of Ukraine Day, the VETERANKA movement is launching a chatbot for all civilian women who want to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine and stand in defense of their homeland.
We have worked on @recruitment_guide_bot to create a comprehensive guide that will help women navigate key questions:
How to join a specific unit?
What is the difference between service through mobilization and contract-based service?
How does training take place at military training centers?
In the chatbot, you will find information about preparation for service, learning the basics of[...]
01.10.2024
We continue the conversation about the deeply personal and difficult experience of losing a loved one. Unfortunately, every day in our country, someone loses a close, cherished, and dear person to war. We believe that it is important not only to speak about the sorrow of loss but also about how to navigate this journey. We asked those who have endured the hardest stages to share their experiences—where to find strength and resources for oneself when surrounded by darkness.
Dariia Ulman, a marketer, activist, and the wife of fallen serviceman Kyrylo Ulman, shares her personal journey[...]
21.09.2024
At the “Evening of Saved Lives” event, 553 121 UAH was raised for the Ukrainian paramedics.
First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who continues to donate, support charity events, and participate in auctions!
We worked hard to make this evening truly special—Serhiy Zhadan prepared exclusive material and signed every book brought by attendees. Together with By VTRNK, we created exclusive merchandise and curated unique auction lots, while also introducing guests to the Veteranka movement.
The Podil Theater organized and hosted the event, once again[...]
17.09.2024
Each big project needs a first step.
The Intellias team helped the “Dignified” charity project in the provision of female defenders of Ukraine with high-quality uniforms called to take the first step
Thanks to their charitable contribution of UAH 300,000, the Charitable Foundation Veteranka funded the launch of the initiative and the production of 107 units of uniform for female defenders of Ukraine, which were created by the by.vtrnk workshop.
We are grateful for the support and the opportunity to implement the project.
The systematic support of businesses and private[...]
29.08.2024