The Witches of Bucha: Women Warriors Defending Ukraine’s Skies from Russian Drones

In the darkness over Bucha, a group of Ukrainian women known as the “Witches of Bucha” emerge to protect their homeland from an invisible threat – Russian attack drones. This volunteer air defense unit, comprised almost entirely of women, has taken on the crucial task of safeguarding Ukraine‘s skies as more men are deployed to the frontlines. Sarah Rainsford, BBC’s Eastern Europe Correspondent, reports on this remarkable group from near Bucha.

Night Watchers: Defending Against the Drone Swarm

The Witches of Bucha operate primarily at night, when Russian drones are most active. These women, who by day are teachers, doctors, and even a manicurist, take on the role of drone hunters as darkness falls. Their mission? To shoot down the increasing number of drones launched by Russia in waves, often as a prelude to missile strikes.

Valentyna, a 51-year-old veterinarian who joined the unit this summer, explains her role: “My role is to listen for them. It’s nervous work. But we have to stay focussed, to [listen out] for the slightest sound.”

Ancient Weapons, Modern Threats

Despite their determination, the Witches of Bucha face significant challenges. They’re equipped with outdated weaponry – two Maxim machine guns from 1939, with ammunition boxes bearing Soviet-era red stars. Serhiy, the lone male member of the team, manually pours bottled water as a coolant for these antique weapons.

Yet, these women have proven effective. Since summer, they claim to have downed three drones, demonstrating that even with limited resources, their vigilance makes a difference.

Women Rising to the Challenge

The shift to a predominantly female unit wasn’t planned. Col Andriy Verlaty, the volunteers’ commander, explains that when Ukraine revised its mobilization law, about 90% of his male volunteers were called to the frontlines. Faced with a choice between recruiting underage men or women, he chose the latter.

“At first it was like a joke: ‘Let’s take women!’ There wasn’t much TRUST in them, in the armed forces. But that has really changed,” Col Verlaty admits.

The women have embraced their new roles with courage and determination. Inna, a math teacher in her early 50s, jokes about the dangers:

“It’s scary, yes. But so’s giving birth, and I still did that three times.”

More Than Just Drone Defense

For many of these women, joining the Witches of Bucha is about reclaiming power after the horrors of Russian occupation. They undergo broader military training on weekends, learning skills like building clearance.

Anya, a 52-year-old office manager turned volunteer, finds empowerment in the training:

“Under occupation, I felt the utter pointlessness of my existence. I could neither help anyone else, nor defend myself. I wanted to learn how to use weapons, so I could be some use.”

DroneXL’s Take

The Witches of Bucha exemplify the crucial role drones play in modern warfare, both as threats and as tools for defense. Their story highlights the need for advanced drone technology in conflict zones, not just for offensive capabilities but also for counter-drone measures. As we’ve seen in recent DroneXL coverage, the development of anti-drone systems is accelerating, with new technologies emerging to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones. The ingenuity and determination of these Ukrainian women underscore the importance of continued innovation in drone and counter-drone technologies to protect civilian populations in conflict areas.

What are your thoughts on the Witches of Bucha and their role in defending against drone attacks? Share your perspective in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Novinky.