‘Mockery’: Backlash after Ukraine women troops march in heels

Defence ministry images showing women soldiers practising for parade in heels prompt a torrent of criticism.

Ukrainian authorities have been slammed after official pictures showed women soldiers practising for next month’s military parade in heels. Ukraine is preparing to stage the parade to mark 30 years of independence following the Soviet Union’s breakup, and the defence ministry on Thursday released photographs of fatigue-clad women soldiers marching in mid-heel black pumps. “Today, for the first time, training takes place in heeled shoes,” cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying by the defence ministry’s information site ArmiaInform.