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Women train for the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Women train for the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

In pictures: New faces of Ukraine war

1 min read·July 21, 2023 - 3:27PM
News Corp Australia Network

They are ordinary women living in an extraordinary time – and now they are preparing for the frontline. Cameras have captured the remarkable scenes as female media officers and health workers within an elite fighting unit prepare themselves for the combat zone.

less than 2 min read
July 21, 2023 - 3:27PM
News Corp Australia Network
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This is now the face of the war in Ukraine as one of a group of brave women trains for the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
This is now the face of the war in Ukraine as one of a group of brave women trains for the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women of the 128th Carpathian Mountain Assault Brigade recently took part in training in the Zaporizhzhia region, with the gruelling exercises caught on film. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women of the 128th Carpathian Mountain Assault Brigade recently took part in training in the Zaporizhzhia region, with the gruelling exercises caught on film. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women were put through an assault course and different combat situations designed to prepare them physically and psychologically. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women were put through an assault course and different combat situations designed to prepare them physically and psychologically. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

In amid the tough tasks were signs of camaraderie – another vital component on the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
In amid the tough tasks were signs of camaraderie – another vital component on the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Signs of normal life – such as careful manicures – were soon lost in the mud. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Signs of normal life – such as careful manicures – were soon lost in the mud. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Female members of the 128th Carpathian Mountain Assault Brigade include military press officers, health specialists and psychologists. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Female members of the 128th Carpathian Mountain Assault Brigade include military press officers, health specialists and psychologists. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

As they were prepared for the reality of war, trainers shouted instructions at the women and subjected them to the sound of gunfire. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
As they were prepared for the reality of war, trainers shouted instructions at the women and subjected them to the sound of gunfire. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women battled through mud, smoke and water to earn the right to operate on the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women battled through mud, smoke and water to earn the right to operate on the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The physical challenges tested their fitness and resilience. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The physical challenges tested their fitness and resilience. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Trainers also wanted to see communication and leadership skills as the women were put through their paces. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Trainers also wanted to see communication and leadership skills as the women were put through their paces. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

One woman maintained steely focus on the task at hand. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
One woman maintained steely focus on the task at hand. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Many of the exercises emphasised teamwork. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Many of the exercises emphasised teamwork. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women completing training were a mix of ages and physique. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women completing training were a mix of ages and physique. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Crawling under barb wire and through the mud was just one of many obstacles. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Crawling under barb wire and through the mud was just one of many obstacles. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

Smoke filled the air as the women muscled through another task. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Smoke filled the air as the women muscled through another task. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

One young woman looked wistful in a moment’s break from the exercises. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
One young woman looked wistful in a moment’s break from the exercises. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

There was no hiding the impact of the tasks at hand. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
There was no hiding the impact of the tasks at hand. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women had to learn how to handle guns and their equipment while in the combat zone. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women had to learn how to handle guns and their equipment while in the combat zone. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

It was a shocking onslaught for some as they faced the trying conditions. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
It was a shocking onslaught for some as they faced the trying conditions. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

With no end to the war in sight, the women must help carry the hopes of all Ukraine. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
With no end to the war in sight, the women must help carry the hopes of all Ukraine. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

While this was just an exercise, the women may soon know the realities of the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
While this was just an exercise, the women may soon know the realities of the frontline. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

“For women to have the brigade’s beret, they have to prove that they are ready,” a press officer for the brigade told the media. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
“For women to have the brigade’s beret, they have to prove that they are ready,” a press officer for the brigade told the media. Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

 

The women’s mission was clear, press officer Anna Dzumza said. “They need to be prepared to assist the soldiers fighting at the front ... they have to prove that they are ready.” Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The women’s mission was clear, press officer Anna Dzumza said. “They need to be prepared to assist the soldiers fighting at the front ... they have to prove that they are ready.” Picture: Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Read related topics:Russia And Ukraine Conflict

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/in-pictures-new-faces-of-ukraine-war/news-story/65f21b1e87f6f3844c337ae4fd791e1b