“Everyone must give everything they can for the army”

After more than four months of war, the Ukrainian authorities are beginning to prepare people’s minds: the conflict could drag on and “a very large number of women will be forced to go to the front”as said Sergei Bratchukthe spokesman of the administration of the Odessa region.

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The front is a three-hour drive from this city of Odessa nicknamed “the Pearl of the Black Sea”, which has regained a certain lightness. You can hear the waves and the sun beating down on this July day. Eva laid her towel facing the sea. “To tell you the truth, I really have a hard time imagining war and it’s really scaryexplains the Ukrainian. But I think each and every one of us has our own front and everyone should give their all for the military.”

Currently women who are recruited into the military have military or medical experience. This is the case of Yulia – dermatologist at the hospital who takes some time for herself next to a lounge bar. Yulia heals the bruised skin of soldiers returning from the front. “There I am already doing my best in the hospital to help the soldiersexplains Yulia. But if I have to do more I will.” Is she scared? “Yes, of course, it’s horrible! But if I have to go to the front, I’m going”she answers.

Ukrainian women are determined, regardless of age or social background. Victoria also tans next to a somewhat strange place for a country at war: a five-star hotel where dolphin shows are given. She is a student, speaks French, and wanted to get involved: “When the war started, I was thinking about it. I told my parents that I wanted to go, but my father told me that I was the only girl in the family and that I couldn’t go. . Maybe I can help my country in another way.”