Local authorities in Ukraine have found themselves in the midst of much controversy after distributing photos of female soldiers practicing for a parade and walking in high heels.

Ukraine is preparing to host a military parade next month to mark 30 years of independence since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the Ministry of Defense released the following photos:

"Today, for the first time, the training takes place with high heels. It is a little harder than the army boots, but we are trying, ”cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying on the Ministry of Defense website.

But the choice has been heavily criticized. "It's hard to imagine a more idiotic, harmful idea," said Inna Sovsun, a member of the Golos party, which pointed to the health risks. She also said that Ukrainian women soldiers - like men - risk their lives and "do not deserve to be ridiculed".

Some politicians brought high heels to parliament and demanded an investigation into the incident.

Politician Olena Kondratyuk said authorities should apologize publicly for "humiliating" women. The choice of shoes brought a lot of criticism on social media and in parliament and led to accusations that women soldiers were sexualized.

The ministry was accused of "sexism and misogyny" and "mockery of women imposed by the beauty industry".

Sources: Euronews, Guardian