"People often ask if it's hard to work with men here. I tell them they should ask the men if it's hard for them to work with a woman." The story of FPV drone operator "Phoenix"
28-year-old “Phoenix” never dreamed of being in the military; instead, she showed great promise in sports. Before the full-scale invasion, she was a four-time MMA world champion, earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sports in boxing, and won the WWC Promotion world championship belt. However, all her achievements, awards, and titles have taken a back seat, as she now serves as a brave FPV drone operator in the 79th Separate Assault Brigade. This is her story:
“Phoenix” is one of the beneficiaries of equipment provided by the Come Back Alive Foundation as part of the Eye for an Eye 3 (ОКО ЗА ОКО) project. In collaboration with OKKO, the foundation is raising 500 million UAH for the Air Assault Forces. Ten companies of strike unmanned aerial systems will receive combat Pulstrons—reconnaissance and destruction systems worth 50 million UAH each. Pulstrons include strike and reconnaissance drones, transport, communications, and everything needed for operational management. Support the initiative.
Dropping Everything to Go to War
When the full-scale war began, I told my parents that I wanted to join the military to defend my country. My father said he wouldn’t “hide behind my skirt” and decided to enlist as well. We agreed that I would delay my decision for a while.
My father joined the infantry, spending days in trenches with no contact for up to ten days. It was nerve-wracking for us. Eventually, he was discharged for health reasons, and now the roles are reversed—he worries about me.
When he was discharged, I was working abroad. As soon as my contract ended, I bought a ticket home. I remember texting about the documents I needed to apply to the National Police while waiting to board the plane. My father supported me every step of the way.
Initially, they were reluctant to take me—I’m deaf in my left ear and wear a hearing aid, and I also have kidney issues. There were plenty of reasons to stay out of the military, but I persisted.
In December 2023, I joined the *Safari* Special Operations Regiment of the National Police. I specifically wanted to join this unit because I knew many of its members—they were athletes, MMA fighters, or coaches. Later, structural changes forced our team to leave. We applied to the Air Assault Forces, and that’s how I signed a contract and began training. I only told my parents about my decision when I was already at the training ground—they were worried because they knew you can’t easily leave the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
I didn’t consciously choose my place of service; I followed my team because I trusted them. They became like brothers to me. That’s how I ended up in the 79th Brigade of the Air Assault Forces. I demonstrated basic FPV skills and began going on my first combat missions.
Adapting and Proving Myself
I was prepared to prove both physically and mentally that I could handle tasks as well as the men. On missions, I performed at the same level as my comrades and became the only woman in the company to pass the obstacle course—both physically and psychologically. Everyone saw that I was capable, and I was treated equally.
From Sports to the Battlefield
The fitness level I had during my sports career is long gone. It’s rare to find time to train here. Still, I try to stay physically active outside of work. If I returned to regular training, I estimate it would take six months to a year to regain my former skill and fitness.
But I have no regrets. At the start of the invasion, many countries supported Ukrainian athletes. I received offers to move to Brazil, Europe, or the United States to build a peaceful life and continue my career. However, I was burned out from sports and had already decided to take a break from competition.
Whether I’ll return to sports after the war is uncertain. Most likely, no. I want to try something new. I need something that excites me as much as piloting FPV drones does now.
Still, the foundation I built in sports helps me. Physical fitness and endurance are essential for tasks like unloading drones and ammunition. Discipline ensures I take my responsibilities seriously. And my mental toughness helps me stay composed in frightening situations.
Facing Challenges
I’ve learned to rely on myself. I don’t have rituals or superstitions, and I manage my emotions internally. However, I’ve had to remind myself that this is a team effort, not an individual one.
From my sports days, I still have a competitive edge. I love the challenge of operating a drone under enemy electronic warfare interference, managing to maintain control and successfully complete the mission.
I’m highly self-critical. In sports, I never let success get to my head—not because I lacked achievements, but because I always felt there was room for improvement. It’s the same in war: even after destroying a tank, I think about what I could have done better.
A Woman in the Military
I often get asked if it’s hard to be a woman among men here. My answer? Ask them if it’s hard to work with me. I don’t feel like the “weaker sex”.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend my path to every woman. It’s a deeply personal choice. I don’t have a husband or children, and I’m not fixated on the idea that having a family is the ultimate goal of my life. If it happens—great. If it doesn’t—that’s fine too. This means I have no ties and nothing to lose. If you have something to lose, you should think carefully before taking on a combat role. There are also many positions in headquarters where you can be equally useful, with less risk to your life and better living conditions.
This shouldn’t be an impulsive decision. A person must be prepared for the possibility that their mission could be their last. Though perhaps it’s impossible to ever fully prepare for that, it’s crucial to understand the risks. Right now, I don’t operate under the assumption that I’ll definitely survive. Of course, there are certain rules that significantly increase my chances. But ultimately, it’s a lottery: a guided bomb is a guided bomb, and an enemy FPV drone will either hit the vehicle you’re riding to your position—or it won’t.
