Key facts
- More than 76,000 women serve in Ukraine's Armed Forces, with 57,000 in military roles.
- Women with medical or pharmaceutical education must register with the military since October 2023.
- Over 20,000 female service members hold combat positions as of September 2026.
- Four women hold the rank of general in Ukraine as of 2026.
- Legal restrictions preventing women from officially holding combat roles were lifted in 2018.
More than 76,000 women are currently serving in Ukraine's Armed Forces, with 57,000 in military roles and the remainder in civilian positions, according to the General Staff. This figure represents a significant increase since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, during which the number of women in the military has nearly doubled.
While military service remains voluntary for women in Ukraine, those aged 18 to 60 with medical or pharmaceutical education have been required to register with the military since October 2023. As of September 2026, over 20,000 of the 57,000 female service members hold combat positions.
Oksana Hryhorieva, gender affairs advisor for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, emphasized that modern warfare involves a wide range of roles beyond traditional combat, including drone piloting, reconnaissance, medic, signaling, electronic warfare, and psychological support. As of 2026, four women hold general ranks within Ukraine's military structure.
Tetiana Ostashchenko was the first woman to achieve the rank of brigadier general and head the military medical service, a promotion granted by presidential decree in August 2021. Yuliia Laputina and Liudmyla Shuhalei were promoted to major general in 2018 and 2020, respectively, while serving in the Security Service of Ukraine. Tetiana Podashevska was awarded the rank of militia general in 2004 for her service in the Interior Ministry.
Hryhorieva noted that women now have the opportunity to progress through all officer ranks, a fundamental change from the past. She also highlighted that the nature of modern warfare, which relies heavily on technology, intelligence, and communication, has opened up more roles for women. The advisor stated that gender equality in the armed forces is about equal opportunity and professional development based on performance, not gender.