Harmony Foundation Salutes Brave Women of ‘Witches of Bucha’ for Defending Ukraine Against Russian Drones
The town of Bucha, once known globally for the horrifying war crimes committed by Russian forces, now stands as a symbol of defiance and strength, Dr Mathai noted
Pune: Dr Abraham Mathai, former vice chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has said the fight of the courageous women of ‘Witches of Bucha’ in Ukraine to defend their country against Russians is a battle of freedom and justice worldwide.
He said the war in Ukraine has transformed ordinary citizens into defenders, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, commending their bravery.
This town, which has reportedly become a symbol of Russian war crimes after Moscow occupied it in March 2022, has now given rise to a group of all-female volunteers known as the “Witches of Bucha”.
“These women in the 18-60 age group have taken up arms to defend Ukraine by shooting down Russian drones and their fight is not just Ukraine’s fight, it is a battle for freedom, justice, and human dignity worldwide,” said Dr Mathai, also chairman of Mumbai’s Harmony Foundation, in a statement.
He said the world must not turn a blind eye to their bravery and sacrifices as the military profession is known to be a male dominated sector but these women have set an example across the whole globe showcasing the strength of womanhood.
The town of Bucha, once known globally for the horrifying war crimes committed by Russian forces, now stands as a symbol of defiance and strength, Dr Mathai noted.
The ‘Witches of Bucha’ have reclaimed the name of their city, turning it from a site of mourning into a battlefield of justice they have become one of Ukraine’s most effective tactical defense forces, proving that determination and skill can challenge even the most advanced military threats, he said.
“As the war in Ukraine continues, these fearless female warriors have stepped forward to play a crucial role in countering relentless drone attacks, proving that strength, resilience, and tactical brilliance are not confined to the male gender,” Dr Mathai said.
He said their commitment to protecting their homeland has become a powerful symbol of resistance, justice, and hope towards womanhood.
"The bravery of the ‘Witches of Bucha’ is an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of oppression. These women have transformed tragedy into triumph, refusing to be mere victims of war. Instead, they have become its fiercest defenders. Their heroic actions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting their nation and its people.”
Dr Mathai said one of these courageous women is Ms Liudmyla, a member of the Witches of Bucha, who spoke in a recent interview about their extraordinary journey.
She shared how their group underwent rigorous training, learning how to operate anti-drone weapons and use advanced surveillance systems to intercept and neutralize enemy UAVs.
They consist of women from diverse backgrounds, she herself is a musician and a pastry chef, many of them are teachers, beauty salon workers, retail clerks, and office employees, and ordinary women ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old with no military experience yet they answered the call of conscience to defend their nation.
Dr Mathai has urged the international community to continue supporting Ukraine and also recognize the contributions of these women, who risk their lives daily to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and the democratic values that the world holds dear.