Natalia traded her prison sentence for a place on Ukraine's front line after a new law allowed eligible inmates to volunteer for military service. Serving time for theft, she saw it as a chance to rebuild her life.

More than 200 female prisoners have joined the military since May 2024, while others await approval. In exchange for service until the war against Russia ends, sentences are reduced. Commanders say the women are highly motivated, as Ukraine expands recruitment to address troop shortages.