“Where are the women?: Controversial recruitment into the Russian army in Ukraine”
Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the Borz Battalion, a volunteer regiment supported by the Russian Defense Ministry, is seeking to recruit more female fighters. A series of announcements published on the Russian social network VKontakte offer women the opportunity to actively participate in the fighting in Ukraine. The ads promise a six-month contract and offer a month-long crash course in the separatist Donetsk region, allowing women to become snipers or pilot drones.
The controversial initiative aims to break gender stereotypes and show that women are just as capable as men on the battlefield. However, critics point out that the idea of training snipers in just one month is unrealistic, given that adequate training normally requires a year and a half of intensive training. Some believe the announcement is actually aimed at recruiting desperate women rather than promoting gender equality in the military.
This recruitment attempt does not come directly from the Russian Defense Ministry, but from the Borz Battalion, which de facto depends on the Redut mercenary group, which is controlled by the Defense Ministry and Russian military intelligence. For the Ministry of Defense, this initiative is a way to discreetly explore the interest of women in joining the Russian army, a sensitive subject in Russia.
The history of women in the Russian army has been complex. During World War II, women played a crucial role as fighters in the Red Army, holding positions such as sniper, tank driver and fighter jet pilot. However, after the war, they were quickly returned to their traditional roles as housewives. It was not until the 1990s, during the post-perestroika economic upheaval, that women found new opportunities in the military due to the lack of economic opportunities.
The recruitment of female fighters in Ukraine is causing debate in Russia. While some advocate for gender equality in the military, others fear the move could put women’s lives at risk and perpetuate discriminatory gender norms. The question of the place of women in the Russian army therefore remains a sensitive and complex subject.
In conclusion, despite the controversies surrounding the recruitment of female fighters in Ukraine by the Borz battalion, this initiative highlights the desire to open new opportunities for women in the Russian army. However, it remains important to take into account questions regarding accelerated training and respect for gender norms, while promoting broader reflection on gender equality in the armed forces.