Facing severe shortages of transport vehicles, the Russian military in Ukraine has begun using donkeys and horses to move ammunition and supplies, according to reports from Russian pro-war bloggers and The Moscow Times.
From Civilian Cars to Pack Animals
As military transport dwindles, Russian troops have already resorted to using civilian cars and electric scooters for battlefield logistics.
Now, according to the Telegram channel Kirill Fedorov / War History Weapons, Russian units have received donkeys to carry ammunition to the front lines.
"The fighters were given a donkey to transport ammunition to the front line. What did you expect? Cars are in short supply these days!" the channel stated.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has reportedly authorized the use of pack animals, including donkeys, for military transport.
Military analyst Yan Mateyev noted that while horse-drawn transport is still rare, the situation could worsen: "The Russian military continues to surprise. The command is expanding logistics by using donkeys and horses. Who knows what we will see in another six months?"
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According to Novaya Gazeta-Europe, a Russian military expert (speaking anonymously) suggested that this might be a local battlefield improvisation rather than an official large-scale policy.
Soldiers find donkeys or horses in abandoned farms and use them to navigate muddy terrain, delivering food and ammunition to remote positions in forests and fields.
Russia’s Equipment Losses Mount
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has suffered massive equipment losses, forcing it to resort to unconventional means of transport.
According to Oryx, a platform tracking confirmed military equipment losses:
At least 20,027 Russian military vehicles have been lost, including:
3,704 tanks, including 13 obsolete T-54/T-55 models
12,000 armored vehicles
Over 3,000 captured vehicles now used by Ukraine
More than 1,100 vehicles were abandoned, and 850 were damaged
Despite its vast natural resources, Russia's continued reliance on troops from regions like the Sakha Republic, coupled with images of soldiers riding stolen horses, has fueled criticism.
Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko mocked the situation, stating: "The 'Second Army of the World' is returning to the times of the Russian Empire—with cavalry and national minorities as cannon fodder."
