cover of episode "We Call Ourselves the Combat Witches."

"We Call Ourselves the Combat Witches."

2025/1/10
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T
Tatiana
V
Valentina
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Valentina：我们是一支由女性组成的防空部队，名为‘布恰女巫’。这个名字源于我们中一人佩戴的徽章，但更重要的是，我们在一起，互相支持，共同对抗战争带来的创伤。在2022年俄军入侵期间，我和我的家人躲在地下室，亲耳听到其他女性谈论自杀和杀害自己孩子的想法，以避免被强奸和折磨。那段经历非常艰难，但我和我的朋友Ina互相鼓励，共同度过难关。现在，我们掌握了技能，学会了使用武器，虽然还不会杀死敌人，但我们正在学习。加入这个团队让我不再只是哭泣，而是拥有了技能和目标。 Ina：我和Valentina在孩子上幼儿园时相识，我们成为了非常要好的朋友。在俄军占领期间，我们各自经历了恐惧和痛苦，但我们互相支持，共同克服了困难。现在，我们一起在防空部队服役，互相照顾，共同面对挑战。 Tatiana：我的丈夫在战争中牺牲了，为了纪念他，我加入了志愿者队伍。在战争初期，我带着两个女儿逃往西班牙，内心充满了空虚和悲伤。当我回到乌克兰后，我加入了‘布恰女巫’部队。击落无人机并不是我们的唯一目标，更重要的是，我们互相照顾，不再是受害者，而是战士。我们每天互相联系，一起喝咖啡，一起度假，互相支持，共同面对战争的创伤。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did the women from Bucha form an all-female volunteer air defense unit?

The women formed the unit to cope with the trauma and grief caused by the 2022 massacre by Russian troops in their city. The unit, called the Combat Witches of Bucha, provides them with a sense of belonging and purpose while defending their community against Russian drone attacks.

What professions did the members of the Combat Witches of Bucha have before the war?

The members included a veterinarian, a math teacher, a water inspector, a real estate agent, a nanny, a doctor, and a pastry chef. They were ordinary working professionals and mothers before the Russian invasion.

What is the significance of the name 'Combat Witches of Bucha'?

The name originated from a badge one of the women had, depicting a witch with weapons. While the name itself is not the focus, it symbolizes their unity and teamwork in defending their community against Russian drones.

How did the Russian occupation affect the women of Bucha?

During the occupation, women faced extreme trauma, including the fear of rape, torture, and death. Valentina, one of the members, recalls hearing women consider killing themselves and their children to avoid such horrors. The occupation left deep emotional scars on the community.

What role does the Combat Witches unit play in defending Kyiv?

The unit is trained to shoot down Russian drones in the suburbs of Kyiv. While they have not yet shot down any drones, they patrol at night and practice drills weekly, preparing to defend their sector against potential attacks.

How has joining the Combat Witches unit impacted the women emotionally?

Joining the unit has provided the women with a sense of empowerment and camaraderie. They no longer see themselves as victims but as soldiers who support and care for each other. The unit has helped them process their trauma and find purpose in defending their community.

What equipment do the Combat Witches use during their training?

They use a recoil-operated machine gun called the Maksim, the first fully automatic machine gun in the world. They practice assembling and operating the weapon under the guidance of a male soldier during their drills.

Chapters
This chapter tells the story of a group of Ukrainian women who, after experiencing the trauma of the 2022 Bucha massacre, formed an all-female volunteer air defense unit called the Combat Witches. It details their individual backgrounds, their experiences during the occupation, and their decision to join together to fight back against the ongoing drone attacks.
  • Formation of the Combat Witches of Bucha, an all-female volunteer air defense unit
  • Members' backgrounds as professionals and mothers
  • Trauma of the Bucha massacre and its impact on their lives
  • Decision to take up arms and fight back against Russian aggression

Shownotes Transcript

Women from a Kyiv suburb create an all-female volunteer air defense unit. They say it's helped them deal with the trauma of a 2022 massacre by Russian troops.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)