Ukrainian women fill mining roles during war effort

In Ukraine, women are stepping into roles traditionally held by men to support the war effort. They are working underground as miners to help keep the country’s power and heating going amid ongoing Russian attacks. Many of these women, inspired by a desire to replace men who went to fight, have taken up these challenging jobs. One miner, Nadiya Moskalenko, shared that her two sons have volunteered for military service. She now operates cable cars in a mine located near Pavlohrad, where women were previously banned from working until many male workers left for combat. The mining work is demanding but crucial. An estimated 700 out of 3,000 workers at Moskalenko’s mine are now serving in the military. Alyona Lapina from the mine’s owner, DTEK, noted that several workers have been killed or injured. The Donbas region, where the mine is located, has seen intense fighting since 2014, further complicating the situation. Another miner, Iryna Basanets, joined the workforce after the war began. She explained that both men and women are learning to work together in this tough environment. However, with the constant threat of war, they often hear air raid sirens even during their shifts. The coal mined by these workers is essential for powering Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has faced frequent attacks from Russia. Recent discussions between former President Donald Trump and leaders in Ukraine and Russia have led to hopes for a temporary ceasefire focused on energy. Both Moskalenko and Basanets expressed optimism that these talks could pave the way for peace. They believe that if everyone truly desires a resolution, it may become a reality.