Valeria Stepanova

Biography

Valeria Stepanova, call sign "Demon," was a Ukrainian soldier, FPV drone operator, mother of two daughters, and advocate for dignity and justice within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Born on October 13, 1997, in Slavutych, Ukraine, Valeria grew up with a passion for art, a love of animals, and dreams for the future. She was a devoted mother to her two young daughters, Kyra and Aryna, whose happiness and safety were central to her life.

In 2023, motivated by a desire to defend her homeland and protect her children's future, Valeria voluntarily joined the Territorial Defense Formation of the Slavutych community. In the autumn of 2025, she formally enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, serving with the rank of private.

Her military service included the 118th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and later the 432nd Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment, where she operated FPV drones. She participated in combat missions in the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions.

During her service, Valeria also became known for speaking publicly about sexual harassment, alleged physical abuse, and psychological pressure within the military. Despite the personal risks involved, she chose to raise these concerns openly, drawing attention to the challenges faced by women in uniform and the importance of protecting their rights and dignity.

On October 8, 2026, Valeria was killed in an enemy FPV drone strike near the village of Drobysheve, in the Kramatorsk district of Ukraine's Donetsk region. She died just five days before her 29th birthday.

Valeria was 28 years old. She left behind two young daughters, a grieving family, and a life filled with hopes and aspirations.

She is remembered for her military service, her devotion to her children, her creative spirit, and her determination to speak out against injustice.

Her life was tragically cut short, but her courage, love, and memory will live on through those who knew her and the generations that follow.