EDITORS PLEASE NOTE - THIS EDIT CONTAINS PROFANE LANGUAGE
Women have jumped into battle for eastern Ukraine.
Dozens, in fact, have joined pro-Russian separatists in their fight for control over Donetsk and Lukansk.
Like Irina, who joined an artillery unit that includes six women.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) WOMAN REBEL FIGHTER, IRINA, WHO GOES UNDER NOM DE GUERRE GAYKA, OR "SCREW NUT", SAYING:
"Maybe it is about the character, because when you watch your home being destroyed, everything that is dear to you, friends, work… It's about the character. Girls who go into combat are real Russian women."
Besides Irina, there's a fighter, a reconnaissance specialist and three medics in the group.
Nurses like Alla will tend to fighters injured in battle. She says she had little choice.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) NURSE, ALLA, SAYING:
"I can't imagine myself like I used to live before: walking with a boy hand by hand, drinking beer or any light alcohol, k