She made sushi last year—now she flies combat drones for Ukraine’s army

Khrystyna, 22, joined Ukraine's 159th Separate Mechanized Brigade after finding the unit on social media and leaving her contact details — a recruiter called her back and offered her the "18–24" contract, she said in a video published on the brigade's Facebook page.

Roughly one-third of candidates at Ground Forces recruitment centers in early 2026 chose positions as drone pilots or operators, according to the Ministry of Defense. About 80,000 Ukrainian service personnel participate in drone operations in some capacity, according to official Armed Forces statements.

Before enlisting, she worked as an administrator, a waitress, and a sushi chef. After signing, she completed professional training that included drone operation and combat sorties.

"I always believe that the 159th is the elite," she said, adding that what she liked most about military life was the people in her unit.

"18–24" program details

The "18–24" program, launched on 11 February 2025, offers one-year voluntary contracts to Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 who are not yet subject to conscription. Recruits receive a UAH 1 million (about $22,400) bonus, monthly pay of up to UAH 120,000 ($2,700), a zero-interest mortgage, and free medical care.

A drone operator track added in July 2025 extends the commitment to two years and includes up to 45 days of basic training and up to 60 days of professional drone training.

Uptake has been slow—only around 500 recruits had joined by December 2025, United24 Media reported.

The Unmanned Systems Forces—established in June 2024 as the world's first military branch dedicated to unmanned systems—number about 15,000.

Ukraine is recruiting an additional 15,000 operators under its "Drone Line" frontline strategy, The Defense Post reported.