Ukrainian Women Troops Marching in Heels Spark Outrage

KYIV - Ukrainian authorities found themselves buried in controversy Friday after official pictures showed women soldiers practicing for a parade in heels.

Ukraine is preparing to stage a military parade next month to mark 30 years of independence following the Soviet Union's breakup, and the defense ministry 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 defense ministry's information site ArmiaInform. "It is slightly harder than in army boots, but we are trying," Medvid added in comments released on Thursday.