Only 2,000 Body Armor Units Purchased for 55,000 Female Soldiers: The Ongoing Supply Crisis for Women in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Challenges in Equipping Women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to Espreso.tv: Kateryna Mitieva, an expert from the StateWatch analytical center, has highlighted persistent shortcomings in providing adequate gear for women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), particularly regarding female-specific military uniforms and ballistic vests. Centralized procurement of women’s uniforms began in early 2023, marking a significant step forward in supporting female service members.

Although women were legally permitted to serve in combat roles starting in 2018, their material support remains insufficient. The first tender for female body armor was announced in May 2026, with plans to acquire just 2,000 units—despite approximately 55,000 women currently serving in the AFU. This stark disparity reveals a critical supply gap that fails to match the actual number of female personnel.

Planned Procurement for 2023

For 2023, authorities also intend to purchase 10,000 winter jackets and winter trousers. However, according to Mitieva,

“equipping women in the Armed Forces is not a priority.”

“the issue of supplying women only gained traction after public outcry,”

Properly outfitting female soldiers is crucial to their effectiveness and safety while performing their duties. Despite some progress in uniform provision, ongoing problems indicate a lack of attention to the needs of women in uniform, which can harm their morale and motivation. Continued work in this area is essential to ensure equal opportunities in military service.