**Kindergarten Teacher Turned Hero: Ukrainian Woman Destroys Russian Missile with Igla System**
In a remarkable story of bravery and determination, Nataliia Hrabarchuk, a former kindergarten teacher, has been hailed as a hero after successfully destroying a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile using an Igla man-portable air-defense system. The incident occurred in November 2024, during one of Russia’s massive missile-and-drone attacks on Ukraine.
**From Teacher to Soldier**
Nataliia Hrabarchuk was just a kindergarten teacher until the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite her family’s strong opposition, she decided to join an air defense missile unit, sensing the inevitability of war. She underwent five months of intensive training at a military center, where she learned to operate various types of man-portable weapons and conducted hundreds of simulated launches.
**Over 70,000 Women Serving in Ukraine’s Armed Forces**
Nataliia Hrabarchuk is part of a growing number of women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to recent figures, over 70,000 women are currently serving in the military, representing a 20% increase from 2022. More than 5,500 female soldiers are now fighting Russian aggression directly on the front lines.
**Russia Escalates Air Attacks Despite Calls for Ceasefire**
Meanwhile, Russia has escalated its air attacks against Ukrainian cities, ignoring all calls for a ceasefire. On May 26, Russia launched an unprecedented 439 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine, which is an absolute record. The situation remains tense, with US President Donald Trump pushing for Kyiv-Moscow peace talks to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
**Bulgaria Offers Military Support to Ukraine**
In a show of solidarity, Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has announced plans to provide Ukraine with excess military equipment and ammunition following a thorough review of Bulgarian military resources. This gesture of support comes as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in its fight against Russian aggression.
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