In the words of Anastasiia Dotsenko: “Being here at 19 means not to wait, but to contribute: to serve, protect, and do everything to make everyone feel safer”

Photo: 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade “Wild Field”

Anastasiia “Karma” Dotsenko is a drone operator with the 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade “Wild Field” [Ukrainian: Dyke Pole]. Anastasiia joined the army when she was only 18 years old. Since the beginning of Russia’s aggression in 2014, she had dreamed of serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and defending her country, even though she was still in elementary school at the time. 

At the age of 19, while on a mission with her team members, the girl downed two “Molniya” attack drones, which Russia uses to strike military and civilian targets in Ukraine. Anastasiia says that her decision to become a drone operator came gradually and her desire grew stronger every year. And when everyone thought she wouldn't dare, she just did it.

Read about the challenges she has faced, what it means to her to be a servicewoman, and what she dreams of in our interview with Anastasiia to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace, and Security.” 

How did you decide to become a drone operator? 

I am originally from Donetsk, but in 2014, due to the start of Russia's military aggression, I had to leave my hometown. Together with my parents, I moved to Krasnohorivka, also in the Donetsk region. That's when it all started — that's when my desire to serve was born.

There were many Ukrainian soldiers in Krasnohorivka – they lived nearby. I watched them and thought, “I want to do that too. I want to be part of this.” And when I realized that it wasn’t just a desire, but a calling, I decided to join the army.

Overall, I have nine years of school and a college degree in meat and dairy processing, but this profession was never my dream. So, I first completed basic military training (BMT) and then trained as an FPV drone operator at the 128th Brigade Training Center. The course lasted about a month – first we practiced on simulators, and then on real drones. Now I serve as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Why did you decide to choose unmanned aerial vehicles? 

I have always been interested in new things, especially technical stuff. I loved playing computer games and competing with my friends — even then, I felt the excitement and focus that now help me a lot in my work with drones. Over time, I realized that I could do it, both physically and mentally. I didn't see myself as an assault soldier, but I could definitely see myself as a UAV operator.

Understanding came gradually. We talked about it at home – my mother was worried and said, “Maybe you shouldn't do it, maybe think it over.” But my father supported me. He just asked, “Have you considered everything well?” And when he heard a confident “yes,” he said, “Then go.”

Ever since school, I said I wanted to serve. Back then, everyone thought it was just a childish dream, but with each passing year, my desire grew stronger. At school and in college, I kept saying the same thing — and when everyone thought I wouldn't dare, I just did it.

Do you remember your first day on duty? How did you feel when you took controller of a UAV for the first time?

The first day was special. I went there feeling that a new stage in my life was beginning: new acquaintances, a new team, a new job. And everything really went well – I was warmly welcomed and quickly found common ground with everyone. The team was incredibly supportive and friendly.

When I first took the controller in my hands, I was scared. I felt like I couldn't do it: my thoughts were all over the place, my hands were shaking, I was afraid that I would break the drone or do something wrong. But then I focused, took a deep breath, and flew. When the drone returned, I realized that it wasn't as scary as it had seemed and that I could do it. From that day on, I knew for sure: this was my job.

What does being a servicewoman at the age of 19 mean to you?

Taking responsibility when others hesitate. Sometimes you hear people say, “I need to stay at home – I have to work and provide for my family.” But I think, if I don’t go, who will? It’s not about heroism – it’s about making a conscious choice and taking responsibility for those around you.

It's also motivation. When you see that some people are staying behind because of fear or doubt, you decide to take action. Being here at 19 means not to wait, but to contribute: to serve, protect, and do everything so that others can feel safer.

What does your typical day at work look like?

Five in the morning — we gather, prepare our equipment, check everything, and drive to our position. When we arrive, we check everything again — because every detail matters in our work. Then the main task begins.

We work as FPV drone interceptors [an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled from a first-person view thanks to real-time video transmission from the camera to the operator's goggles or monitor — First Person View]. This means that our drones hunt for enemy aerial targets, such as Molniya or other FPV drones launched by the Russian army in our direction. Often, we launch our drones at the same time as theirs. Therefore, every mission requires maximum concentration, because a few seconds can make all the difference.

Photo: from the personal archive of Anastasiia Dotsenko

What qualities do you think a drone operator should have?

In reality, a drone operator must be able to do everything. It seems simple – just launch the drone and fly it, but in fact, it requires a lot of knowledge and practice. You need to be able to set up the equipment correctly, take off, complete the mission, and bring back the drone safely, even if something goes wrong. Every little detail can be crucial. I'm still learning. Every day I discover something new, because this work has no limits – there is always room to grow and improve.

Tell us about your first successful combat mission. 

It was a Russian attack drone, the “Molniya”. I saw it on the radar and aerial maps: it was entering our airspace, so I had to take off immediately. I launched the drone, and the neighboring crew was already working in front of me — they were closer and had the advantage. When the neighboring crew missed, I was close, so I decided to act, and I succeeded. I immediately felt a rush of emotions, and then relief came: first, I had done my job, and second, that threat had not reached my fellow team members. It happened on September 1; I remember the shout of happiness, and my teammates immediately started congratulating me: “Nastya, well done!” — and that meant a lot to me.

I downed the second “Molniya” that same month. The situation was similar: another crew was closer, but again I had to take off and go for the interception. My emotions were different during the second attack — less fear, more confidence: I already knew how to do it. The praise from my colleagues gave me strength, but most of all, I felt that I had done what I came here to do: protect people and complete the mission.

How do your colleagues treat you? Do you feel that you are treated equally and supported by your team?

We really do have a wonderful team. Everyone interacts as equals, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, does their job, and supports each other. But sometimes I still hear things like, “Why did you come here? Stay at home and have children.” Even my colleagues can say things like that. But I’m not the type to stay silent. I calmly reply, “If I’m here, then this is where I belong.”

There are mostly men in my unit. I am the only woman among the drone operators so far, but there is another woman serving as a platoon commander. It is very motivating to see that women are not an exception here, but an equal part of the team.

I made this choice consciously. My job is to be here, do my thing, and help the team. Because everyone has their own front line, and mine is right here.

What do you think will help ensure equal opportunities for women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

I believe that opportunities for growth already exist. If a woman knows her job well, she can immediately be referred to training, promoted, and given a chance to prove herself.

In our unit, career growth depends on professionalism, not gender – just as it does for men. This is important for the motivation and development of the team as a whole.

What helps you stay calm and focused during combat missions?

I think about my family – my mother and, especially, my little sister. She will turn six in December and start school next year. Every time I see her photo or video, I am overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility. I am doing this for her because I want her to grow up safe, to be able to learn, play, dream – and to know that someone is always there to protect her. I understand that if I don't take on this responsibility, no one else will do it for me, and that gives me the strength to keep going even in the most difficult moments.

What is your biggest dream? 

Actually, I haven't thought about my big dream yet, but as a girl, I want to have my own family, a husband, and a cozy home.

Right now, my main dream is to give my parents their own house. In 2014, we were forced to leave Donetsk, and in 2022, we had to leave Donetsk Oblast, where we once again had everything. My parents are now forced to constantly move from one rented house to another. I want them to have a place of their own where they can feel safe and comfortable. This is very important to me, and the thought of it gives me the strength to move forward.

What do you think is the best way to start for women who have decided to link their lives to military service?

As for the first steps, it is essential to start with tactical medical care. I am constantly updating my knowledge: I read books, review materials, call people I trained with during basic military training, and clarify the details. These are basic skills that can save lives, and they are the most important first step for anyone who wants to serve.

If a young woman is already considering military service, that means a lot. In my opinion, women are often more determined and focused than men. Therefore, I would like to encourage them not to be afraid: if this is truly their desire and they understand that they will be able to find fulfillment here, then they should go for it. This deserves great respect.

Photo: 128th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade “Wild Field”

This publication has been produced with the financial support of the Government of Norway, but this does not imply that the views and opinions expressed herein necessarily reflect the official position of the United Nations.