Russia using horses, donkeys to counter Ukraine's drone warfare
What's the story
In an unexpected turn of military strategy, Russian troops are increasingly using horses and donkeys to carry out operations near the Ukrainian front lines. The unconventional tactic seeks to evade detection by Ukrainian drones, which can easily identify and hit armored vehicles. Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev of the State Duma Defense Committee spoke to RTVI about the deployment of donkeys last month, stating that "any means aimed at preserving the lives of our soldiers....in the military operation zone are good."
Tactical shift
Horses and donkeys: A tactical advantage
Sobolev added that horses and donkeys have an advantage in wooded areas where vehicles struggle. "It's better if a donkey gets killed than two men in...car," he said, acknowledging the dangerous conditions at the front. This approach also enables the movement of ammunition and supplies with a lower risk of detection by enemy drones. Russia has also been attaching fishing-line-thin optic cables to drones to prevent disruption by Ukrainian jammers while constructing netted corridors to protect vehicles from air strikes.
Response
Ukrainian forces also adapt to drone warfare
Ukrainian troops are coming up with their own low-tech solutions. Sgt. Ihor Vizirenko's unit uses manual trolleys to carry wood, supplies, and injured soldiers through rough terrain, minimizing the risk of a drone strike. "We can quickly drop the trolleys if shelling starts and find cover," Vizirenko said. Ukrainian forces have also been testing unmanned ground vehicles that can carry machine guns or explosives.
Downside
Russian military also utilizing camels
The employment of donkeys on the frontlines has had some drawbacks, as the Telegram channel Military Informant reported that the animals "create[d] several new problems, including the need for regular feeding and specific veterinary care." The Russian military has also been utilizing camels for transportation, according to the Telegram channel Crimean Wind, which released a photo of a Russian soldier riding a camel. It is unknown what the camels are carrying or if they are deploying soldiers.