Female rebel fighters, who normally fight Ukrainian soldiers, took off their combat boots and fatigues for high heels and ball gowns to take part in a beauty pageant. The event was organised by self-proclaimed authorities in the rebel-held city of Donetsk.
Women from three main rebel battalions showed off their dinner dresses before they changed back to fatigues to receive prizes and roses, AFP reported.
Female soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic prepare backstage, during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Some of these women soldiers used to work in pre-schools, while others were in private business before turning soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Women rebels sashay down an improvised catwalk in the lobby of one of Donetsk’s more up-market hotels. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Female soldiers get ready backstage during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
The contestants posed for the cameras, displayed their talents at singing, dancing or reciting poetry. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Female soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic pose on stage, during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Female soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic hold flowers backstage, during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
A female soldier of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic holds her high heels backstage, during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
Female soldiers of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic peek through a door during a beauty parade. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
The glitz and glamour ended all too quickly, and the women changed back into their fatigues. Photograph: Marko Djurica/Reuters
