Irina was a croupier in a casino before the conflict, she never dreamt of taking up arms. Now she uses the nom de guerre "Gaika", a cartoon character that translates as Gadget, and 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.
It has proved a tough experience but she has no regrets.
"Howitzers, large vehicles, the noise is what I will remember most," she said. "Painful memories go away. We try to focus on the positive, joyful, meeting friends. There are so many friends around now, the war is bringing people closer."
Her unit, based outside her hometown of Donetsk, the main rebel stronghold in eastern Ukraine, is part of a rebel militia called Oplot and includes six women - herself, three medics, a fighter and a reconnaissance specialist.
"If a man has come to fight, he is a man. Real men fight," said Gaika. "Those sitting in the city and sipping beer should put on skirts. It's shameful."
They have little respect for men who have not taken up arms.