Unbreakable: The Women of Donbass
Once a retired law enforcement officer, Captain Nelli Taraban became one of those who rallied to defend Donetsk against Kiev's forces back in 2014.
![Once a retired law enforcement officer, Captain Nelli Taraban became one of those who rallied to defend Donetsk against Kiev's forces back in 2014. Once a retired law enforcement officer, Captain Nelli Taraban became one of those who rallied to defend Donetsk against Kiev's forces back in 2014. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108177322_0:0:960:1280_600x0_80_0_1_197e928b3c9c1063965d920e3ab5531a.jpg)
Once a retired law enforcement officer, Captain Nelli Taraban became one of those who rallied to defend Donetsk against Kiev's forces back in 2014.
Currently, Taraban helps to train young DPR soldiers and deliver humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the fighting.
![Currently, Taraban helps to train young DPR soldiers and deliver humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the fighting. Currently, Taraban helps to train young DPR soldiers and deliver humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the fighting. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108177486_0:0:1280:960_600x0_80_0_1_5f52a34ce3f8dc80e2410160875c113b.jpg)
Currently, Taraban helps to train young DPR soldiers and deliver humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the fighting.
Elena Bobkova is a correspondent with the TV channel Russia-1.
![Elena Bobkova is a correspondent with the TV channel Russia-1. Elena Bobkova is a correspondent with the TV channel Russia-1. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108172383_0:0:897:1280_600x0_80_0_1_6ec2a5437fd0a802a824b15d75b6bc1c.jpg)
Elena Bobkova is a correspondent with the TV channel Russia-1.
A political activist, Bobkova is also author of the "Children of Donbass" documentary.
![A political activist, Bobkova is also author of the "Children of Donbass" documentary. A political activist, Bobkova is also author of the "Children of Donbass" documentary. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108172822_0:0:1280:956_600x0_80_0_1_813843689c6b7d660c8abe8420e9fdeb.jpg)
A political activist, Bobkova is also author of the "Children of Donbass" documentary.
Bobkova also actively participates in the humanitarian effort in the region.
![Bobkova also actively participates in the humanitarian effort in the region. Bobkova also actively participates in the humanitarian effort in the region. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108172986_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_a7e9d6a70fa4f6f7c8170fb61cf02703.jpg)
Bobkova also actively participates in the humanitarian effort in the region.
Irina Guts is a member of Women's alliance "Donbass Hope." Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline.
![Irina Guts is a member of Women's alliance "Donbass Hope." Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline. Irina Guts is a member of Women's alliance "Donbass Hope." Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108173207_0:0:900:1600_600x0_80_0_1_d95e1a78a45edd40df2a5c2395ca1f2e.jpg)
Irina Guts is a member of Women's alliance "Donbass Hope." Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline.
Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline.
![Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline. Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108173928_0:0:1600:1200_600x0_80_0_1_da128b6d20cf68f673a1d2c914f53157.jpg)
Guts regularly delivers humanitarian aid to the most dangerous places on the frontline.
Both of Guts' sons enlisted in the DPR armed forces; one of them was killed last year during the liberation of the village of Peski.
![Both of Guts' sons enlisted in the DPR armed forces; one of them was killed last year during the liberation of the village of Peski. Both of Guts' sons enlisted in the DPR armed forces; one of them was killed last year during the liberation of the village of Peski. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108173690_0:0:900:1600_600x0_80_0_1_f1644c45e16b697fff854ba11e79e260.jpg)
Both of Guts' sons enlisted in the DPR armed forces; one of them was killed last year during the liberation of the village of Peski.
Born in Donetsk, Maria Bobkova is an accomplished rhytmic gymnast.
![Born in Donetsk, Maria Bobkova is an accomplished rhytmic gymnast. Born in Donetsk, Maria Bobkova is an accomplished rhytmic gymnast. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108174144_0:0:1066:1600_600x0_80_0_1_f9839667ee412e011b1e2997afe25c1e.jpg)
Born in Donetsk, Maria Bobkova is an accomplished rhytmic gymnast.
Following the launch of Russia's military operation last year, Bobkova joined the ranks of those who help deliver humanitarian aid in the region.
![Following the launch of Russia's military operation last year, Bobkova joined the ranks of those who help deliver humanitarian aid in the region. Following the launch of Russia's military operation last year, Bobkova joined the ranks of those who help deliver humanitarian aid in the region. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108174391_0:0:1280:960_600x0_80_0_1_41c5314a876fca26736240aa624e8845.jpg)
Following the launch of Russia's military operation last year, Bobkova joined the ranks of those who help deliver humanitarian aid in the region.
Bobkova has regularly traveled to the city of Mariupol to deliver aid to local residents and DPR soldiers alike.
![Bobkova has regularly traveled to the city of Mariupol to deliver aid to local residents and DPR soldiers alike. Bobkova has regularly traveled to the city of Mariupol to deliver aid to local residents and DPR soldiers alike. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108174570_0:0:1280:960_600x0_80_0_1_09373658f76a765cc923436d0ebec584.jpg)
Bobkova has regularly traveled to the city of Mariupol to deliver aid to local residents and DPR soldiers alike.
Elena Pakhmutova is an entrepreneur who opened a charity kitchen two years ago.
![Elena Pakhmutova is an entrepreneur who opened a charity kitchen two years ago. Elena Pakhmutova is an entrepreneur who opened a charity kitchen two years ago. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108175911_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_356d36602bad4aae879b36bc45d3b427.jpg)
Elena Pakhmutova is an entrepreneur who opened a charity kitchen two years ago.
Pakhmutova's kitchen provides meals to the children from the areas of Donetsk that suffered the most from shelling by Ukrainian forces.
![Pakhmutova's kitchen provides meals to the children from the areas of Donetsk that suffered the most from shelling by Ukrainian forces. Pakhmutova's kitchen provides meals to the children from the areas of Donetsk that suffered the most from shelling by Ukrainian forces. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108175592_0:0:1600:900_600x0_80_0_1_7b2ff1817225c4aaab7236f3ef4dff03.jpg)
Pakhmutova's kitchen provides meals to the children from the areas of Donetsk that suffered the most from shelling by Ukrainian forces.
Olga Seletskaya is a combat veteran and activist who helped organize the independence referendum in Mariupol.
![Olga Seletskaya is a combat veteran and activist who helped organize the independence referendum in Mariupol. Olga Seletskaya is a combat veteran and activist who helped organize the independence referendum in Mariupol. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108176075_0:0:1600:1200_600x0_80_0_1_a140bd88ec6695432aaf2fc29db7c447.jpg)
Olga Seletskaya is a combat veteran and activist who helped organize the independence referendum in Mariupol.
After being captured by Ukrainian forces, Seletskaya was tortured by them while being held in the Mariupol airport prison. She managed to survive the ordeal and is currently involved in humanitarian work.
![After being captured by Ukrainian forces, Seletskaya was tortured by them while being held in the Mariupol airport prison. She managed to survive the ordeal and is currently involved in humanitarian work. After being captured by Ukrainian forces, Seletskaya was tortured by them while being held in the Mariupol airport prison. She managed to survive the ordeal and is currently involved in humanitarian work. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108176422_0:0:900:1600_600x0_80_0_1_53d1eb135d1770fc7a9a40e90862232d.jpg)
After being captured by Ukrainian forces, Seletskaya was tortured by them while being held in the Mariupol airport prison. She managed to survive the ordeal and is currently involved in humanitarian work.
Svetlana Shechkova is a Senior Lieutenant of the DPR Medical Service Corps.
![Svetlana Shechkova is a Senior Lieutenant of the DPR Medical Service Corps. Svetlana Shechkova is a Senior Lieutenant of the DPR Medical Service Corps. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108176762_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_dc66ca72d5f614c5e3f89c18ffb78125.jpg)
Svetlana Shechkova is a Senior Lieutenant of the DPR Medical Service Corps.
In this image, Shechkova is seen sending a shipment of portable stoves to the troops on the frontline.
![In this image, Shechkova is seen sending a shipment of portable stoves to the troops on the frontline. In this image, Shechkova is seen sending a shipment of portable stoves to the troops on the frontline. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108176585_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_adfa0d412caf7c046b6f9d357d60872e.jpg)
In this image, Shechkova is seen sending a shipment of portable stoves to the troops on the frontline.
Elena Simonenko is a Junior Sergeant of the DPR Medical Service Corps.
![Elena Simonenko is a Junior Sergeant of the DPR Medical Service Corps. Elena Simonenko is a Junior Sergeant of the DPR Medical Service Corps. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108176994_0:0:960:1280_600x0_80_0_1_a224b13bbefaaf9d2a6d5de1c61fc4d1.jpg)
Elena Simonenko is a Junior Sergeant of the DPR Medical Service Corps.
Having enlisted in the DPR armed forces back in 2015, Simonenko helps provide treatment and rehabilitation to injured soldiers.
![Having enlisted in the DPR armed forces back in 2015, Simonenko helps provide treatment and rehabilitation to injured soldiers. Having enlisted in the DPR armed forces back in 2015, Simonenko helps provide treatment and rehabilitation to injured soldiers. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108177158_0:0:1280:960_600x0_80_0_1_5522375a7baff0463a2f2d88473996ca.jpg)
Having enlisted in the DPR armed forces back in 2015, Simonenko helps provide treatment and rehabilitation to injured soldiers.
Galina Yanenko (R) is a teacher who works at a supplementary education center for children.
![Galina Yanenko (R) is a teacher who works at a supplementary education center for children. Galina Yanenko (R) is a teacher who works at a supplementary education center for children. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108177762_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_07d7212e6c982cea3d98262e903d50ee.jpg)
Galina Yanenko (R) is a teacher who works at a supplementary education center for children.
Yanenko helps children make trench candles, nice crafts, and postcards for the soldiers of the DPR forces.
![Yanenko helps children make trench candles, nice crafts, and postcards for the soldiers of the DPR forces. Yanenko helps children make trench candles, nice crafts, and postcards for the soldiers of the DPR forces. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108178042_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_d78e2cfcb6599e80fe157d66875f4296.jpg)
Yanenko helps children make trench candles, nice crafts, and postcards for the soldiers of the DPR forces.
Elena Zabaikalskaya is a poet, author and singer.
![Elena Zabaikalskaya is a poet, author and singer. Elena Zabaikalskaya is a poet, author and singer. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108178228_0:0:758:1680_600x0_80_0_1_eac695dea951ab060e7017a9768fbfb2.jpg)
Elena Zabaikalskaya is a poet, author and singer.
As a member of a vocal group called "Confetti", Zabaikalskaya holds concerts in hospitals and on the frontlines.
![As a member of a vocal group called "Confetti", Zabaikalskaya holds concerts in hospitals and on the frontlines. As a member of a vocal group called "Confetti", Zabaikalskaya holds concerts in hospitals and on the frontlines. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108178393_0:0:810:1080_600x0_80_0_1_65a4cab27bed9c48f617cb5d06df5f9f.jpg)
As a member of a vocal group called "Confetti", Zabaikalskaya holds concerts in hospitals and on the frontlines.
Zabaikalskaya also helps deliver aid to the people living in areas liberated by Russian troops.
![Zabaikalskaya also helps deliver aid to the people living in areas liberated by Russian troops. Zabaikalskaya also helps deliver aid to the people living in areas liberated by Russian troops. - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/08/1108178557_0:0:1200:1600_600x0_80_0_1_bd66291c2b85ff18c90dd9ce03b6a85c.jpg)
Zabaikalskaya also helps deliver aid to the people living in areas liberated by Russian troops.