Katya is Ukraine’s only female helicopter captain. She says that her blond hair is not the main story.

**Ukraine’s Only Female Combat Pilot Breaks Down Barriers**

In a time of war, Ukraine’s military is proving that women can be just as effective in combat roles as their male counterparts. Meet Kateryna (Katya), the country’s only female helicopter pilot. Despite facing sexism and stereotypes, Katya has earned the respect of her fellow pilots and commanders.

**A Trailblazer**

Katya was born into a military family and fell in love with flying at just 10 years old. She began her aviation journey by visiting an air force base where her father served, taking her first helicopter ride. From then on, she knew that’s what she wanted to do. Despite the initial skepticism from a teacher who questioned why a girl was attending flight school, Katya persevered.

**Breaking Stereotypes**

As Ukraine’s only female combat pilot, Katya is challenging the traditional notion that women don’t belong in combat roles. Her dedication and skill have earned her a reputation as a top-notch pilot among her peers. In fact, she’s become so confident that she’s taken on the toughest missions, flying at incredibly low altitudes and facing danger head-on.

**A Role Model**

Katya’s impact goes beyond her flying skills. She’s inspiring other women to join Ukraine’s military and take on combat roles. Women’s participation has increased by 20 percent since Russia’s invasion in 2022, with over 5,500 women now serving in combat positions out of a total of 70,000.

**The Power of Perseverance**

Katya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite facing sexism and stereotypes, she refused to give up on her dream. Her determination has paid off, earning her respect from her fellow pilots and commanders. As Katya herself said, “At some point, our army will get it.”

**A Hero in Her Own Right**

Katya’s bravery and skill have earned her a place as one of Ukraine’s heroes. She may be just 25 years old, but she’s making waves in the military world. Her dedication to her country and her fellow pilots is inspiring, and her story serves as a reminder that women can achieve great things with hard work and determination.