As diplomatic negotiations continue in hopes of diffusing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, many of Ukraine’s citizens are nonetheless preparing for the looming possibility of war. In an increasing show of solidarity, many women across the country, particularly in the capital of Kyiv, and in Kharkiv near the Russian border, have taken up defence training in readiness for a potential ground assault.

The demand for military and self-defence training has been on a steady increase over the past weeks, as fear of invasion by Russia continues to mount. In answer, various training groups and classes have been set up in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Here instructors, mainly veterans of Ukraine’s most recent conflicts with Russia, are teaching citizens, and in particular women, in the handling and firing of guns, martial arts self-defence methods, as well as basic medical and first aid skills.

Attracting wide media coverage and appearing in international news, many of the women involved have since been interviewed to give their opinions and reasons for why they feel such training is necessary.

One trainee, a 44-year-old mother of two, Viktoria Makarova, a resident of Kharkiv, stated that, if Russia invades, she wants to be able to protect her country, her house, and her family. Marakova is one of many women living in the eastern regions of Ukraine and throughout, who have showed a similar determination to unite in defence rather than flee. Others though, simply want to be better prepared in case they become caught up in conflict. In interviews, many pointed out their general distrust for Russian media and politics, fearing the worst when it comes to Russia’s true intentions for Ukraine, as indicated by the massing of Russian troops near their borders.

With a long and intricate history between the countries, and after independence from the USSR in 1918, the majority of the general populace of Ukraine has grown ever-more resilient to the idea of re-joining or renewing alliances with Russia. Opting instead to be a part of Europe, and more recently the EU, through the majority vote of democratically elected government, a certain portion of Ukraine’s citizens, however, remain steadfastly pro-Russian.

Divisions of opinion and alliance aside, though, many simply feel that war is imminent, and rather than flee their homes, or sit and wait for negotiations to succeed or fail, they are taking proactive steps to ensure that they are at least preparing for the worst.

Another woman who was interviewed, 23-year-old law student Dariya Konokh, said that she isn’t surprised that most of the people attending the training classes are women. After all there are a lot of professional and decorated female soldiers in Ukraine’s military. However, in such situations, she believes that gender should be irrelevant, just like when you play the many apuestas deportivas Chile offers.

Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine, and the closest to the Russian border, is thought to be the most likely target if Russia should choose to invade. Until then, these brave women, and the rest of the country, can only wait and prepare.