Orange ribbon of St. George is seen next to cosmetics
Orange ribbon of St. George, a symbol widely associated with pro-Russian protests in Ukraine, is seen next to cosmetics of Irina, worker of a petrol station, now member of reconnaissance team of pro-Russian rebels' in the town of Makievka, eastern Ukraine, October 6, 2014. Before fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine, Irina was a croupier in a casino who never dreamt of taking up arms. Now she is gambling with her life. Using the nom de guerre "Gaika", a cartoon character that translates as Gadget, she has joined an artillery unit in a pro-Russian separatist group fighting government forces. "When your home is being destroyed, everything that is dear to you, friends, work ... It's about character. Girls who go into combat are real Russian women," she said in an interview, explaining why she joined up. It has proved a tough experience but she has no regrets. Picture taken October 6. TO GO WITH STORY UKRAINE-CRISIS/WOMEN REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (UKRAINE - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST MILITARY)