Seven Years of Sisterhood Power: VETERANKA Celebrates Its Anniversary

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 understand what it means to be part of VETERANKA, we asked the women themselves.

Andriana Arekhta, VETERANKA leader, assault unit soldier:

“To be a sister in the VETERANKA Movement means standing side by side with those who have been through war and didn’t break. It means being the voice of strength, sisterhood, and truth — a truth no one can silence anymore.

It’s not just about experience; it’s about dignity forged in war and carried in every step we take.

VETERANKA is my weapon, my rear line, and my voice. Being part of it means writing a new chapter in women’s history at war.”

Kateryna Pryimak, VETERANKA co-founder, veteran:

“To me, being a VETERANKA sister means learning to accept each other and act as one team. It’s the belief that we can change something. It’s a duty to honor the memory of those who are no longer with us. It’s the hope for future reunions and embraces — even when hope is running low.

It’s arguments and reconciliation. It’s knowing your own are always nearby — even when they’re far away. It’s tears and laughter at our annual gatherings.

It’s rescuing dolphins in Koblevo. Leaving behind what happened near Poltava. Singing ‘Chervona Kalyna’ in Ivano-Frankivsk and karaoke in Irpin.

It’s saying, ‘You matter to the Movement’ — and hearing back, ‘The Movement matters to me.’

It’s knowing you’ve found your own flock of white crows — and that you’ll never be alone again.”

Yulia “Kuba” Sidorova, servicewoman:

“VETERANKA is my family. These are sisters who will never betray you, who you can always count on. It’s the foundation under all my achievements since the full-scale invasion. It’s strength and justice. And it’s people I want to hug.”

Sharlotta Khmelnytska, servicewoman:

“For me, VETERANKA means support, sisterhood, community, and collective action. It’s a space where you know help will come — no matter the crisis. Sometimes this community knows what I need even before I do.

My journey into the women veterans’ movement started before I even joined the military — I studied with Andriana Susak. I remember back in 2018, when she was helping build the community, she used to tell me all about it. Even then, I dreamed of joining. But I was a reserve officer — not a veteran yet — and couldn’t be part of the Movement.

Today, I realize I’m now among the women I once admired from afar. Back then they seemed almost mythical. Today, I stand beside them — and I know the power of sisterhood is real.

Despite all the jokes from men who say women always fight with each other — that’s a lie. The way men clash over their egos? It doesn’t even come close to the strength of this support system. Our sisters know exactly when you need them — and they always show up.”

Oksana Rubanyak, servicewoman:

“Being a sister in the VETERANKA Movement means knowing you’re not alone — not in your beliefs, your vision, or your path. Around you are people just as committed to defending this country, doing everything they can to protect Ukraine. It’s about feeling supported — and offering that support in return.”

Yulia Kyryllova, veteran:

“It’s about friendship that survived war, life after war, and another war — and losses. We’ve walked a long road together, built and endured a lot. But most importantly — we’re still holding on to each other. And we keep going.”

Olena Apchel, servicewoman:

“To me, VETERANKA is a lighthouse — a sign that after coming back from the storm of war, I will find solid ground.

It’s a circle of sisters, standing face to face, eyes wide open — ready to listen, to howl in grief if needed, and to laugh and celebrate life when the strength returns. Even among losses, we help each other heal.”

Tatou Ania, servicewoman 

I am joining Veteranka because the women defending Ukraine are not the rear guard — they are the front line. Their fight is feminist, their courage is a response to aggression. We are fighting for freedom, equality, and to ensure that no woman is ever erased from history again. We are family. We are not alone.