NATO helps develop opportunities in the army for Ukrainian women

The North Atlantic Alliance will continue to help develop opportunities for women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This was discussed at the meeting of the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Natalia Kalmykova with the Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for Women, Peace and Security Irene Felin and the head of the NATO Representation in Ukraine Karen McTeer.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ensuring the principles of gender equality in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the current challenges for the army.Natalia Kalmykova told NATO representatives about providing women with military uniforms and personal protective equipment.

In addition, Ukraine’s deputy minister focused on the work of overcoming gender stereotypes and realizing the potential of female military personnel in positions involving operational planning and unit command.

‘Cooperation and assistance of NATO structures is extremely necessary for us in the practical implementation of gender equality policies in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I am very grateful for the opportunities that the Alliance provides to Ukraine on the way to this goal,’ she stressed.

Natalia Kalmykova reported on agreements regarding cooperation with the Nordic Center for Gender in Military Operations – an official unit within NATO that is responsible for training on gender issues. The center is ready to provide training for the Ukrainian military.

Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.

Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.

A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.

To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).

In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.