So far, women have hardly taken part on the front line in the Ukraine war.
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A Russian mercenary group is attempting to recruit women for combat missions in Ukraine, according to Britain’s Ministry of Defense (MoD).
In its daily intelligence briefing for Monday, the Defense Ministry said Redut – a state-backed private military company – is recruiting women to work as snipers and drone operators in its Borz battalion.
Redut – formerly known as Shield – has ties to the GRU, the Russian foreign intelligence service.
It is part of a group of mercenary troops protecting the commercial activities of Russian companies and has been stationed in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Redut, made up of former Russian special forces and members of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly involved in the plot to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the first days of the war.
The British Ministry of Defense quoted Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying that there are currently 1,100 women serving in Ukraine, mainly working in the medical and catering sectors.
This figure represents an estimated 0.3% of Russia’s military might.
Britain’s Ministry of Defense said it was “unclear” whether the broader Russian defense force would follow suit and bring more women into combat missions.
Russian forces have likely suffered heavy losses in the 20-month bitter war in Ukraine and may now be looking for further opportunities to increase their troop numbers.
Throughout history, women have played different roles in times of war, often making significant contributions to the war effort – despite social and cultural barriers.
To date, women in Ukraine have taken on few front-line assignments, although there is a strong tradition of female snipers and other combat troops serving in Soviet forces during World War II, according to the British Ministry of Defense.
According to Insider, Redut suffered heavy losses of up to 90% of his combat force during Russia’s first Kiev offensive early in the war.
The remainder were offered contracts with the Russian conventional army, allowing the Russian Ministry of Defense to effectively rebuild and control the armed forces.
Source : www.euronews.com