Kremlin forced to respond as reports reveal Russia using donkeys, horses for frontline logistics: reliance on donkeys and horses for frontline logistics has sparked widespread discussion, even prompting official commentary.

https://global.espreso.tv/russia-ukraine-war-russia-officially-responds-to-appearance-of-donkeys-on-frontline-citing-kamikaze-dogs

by Alien_P3rsp3ktiv

16 comments

  1. Highlights:

    *Russia’s reliance on donkeys and horses for frontline logistics highlights significant supply challenges, contradicting its official narrative of military strength.*

    *The sight of these animals being used to transport supplies raises questions—whether this reflects a shortage of vehicles or an attempt to navigate terrain inaccessible to conventional transport.*

    *In Russia itself, the revelation about the “second strongest army in the world” resorting to such methods nearly three years into what was supposed to be a swift operation has gained significant traction. Notably, these pack animals were supplied not by volunteers but through official military channels, forcing state-controlled media to address the issue. Aiding in this explanation was retired Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev, a Communist Party lawmaker and former commander of the 58th Army.*

    *“There are serious difficulties in supplying units, especially assault groups, with ammunition, military equipment, and food. If donkeys, horses, or other means are used to deliver these supplies to the front, it’s perfectly normal,” Russian outlets quoted Sobolev as saying.*

    *The mere acknowledgment of logistical challenges contradicts Moscow’s usual narrative, which insists everything is proceeding “as planned.” Yet, Russian propaganda quickly sought to justify the situation by invoking history. Sobolev referenced the Soviet use of horses in World War II and even mentioned the controversial practice of deploying explosive-laden dogs against enemy tanks—though the effectiveness of such tactics remains debatable.*

    Other sources:

    [A russian Official Explained Appearance of ‘Donkey Forces’ on Frontline and Referenced Kamikaze Dogs, *Defense Express, Feb. 7, 2025*](https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/a_russian_official_explained_appearance_of_donkey_forces_on_frontline_and_referenced_kamikaze_dogs-13458.html)

    [original report: Звідки в армії РФ віслюки та коні, і чи говорить це справді саме про дефіцит транспорту і бронемашин](https://defence-ua.com/army_and_war/zvidki_v_armiji_rf_visljuki_ta_koni_i_chi_govorit_tse_spravdi_same_pro_defitsit_transportu_i_bronemashin-17914.html)

  2. It’s a question of the right tool for the job. There are times when even the US military will use pack animals to get into places. There’s actually a training course for US Special Forces in the use of pack animals and it’s weirdly common to see mules around Ft Bragg during Robin Sage being used as part of the exercise.

    The Ukrainians have used horses as well.

    But that’s to access areas that are difficult to get to by foot and carry large amounts of equipment. Perhaps in the mud, there’s issues getting people into areas, but this doesn’t seem very mountainous where pack animals are an advantage.

  4. Donkeys and horses are being supplied with accompanying knives and forks.

  5. Putin: “I saw the last episode of Little House on the Prairie. Our soldiers an do that.”

  7. # “You have horses! What were you thinking!?” line from Band of Brothers, expressing the German army’s lack of vehicular transportation.

  8. Waiting for the first photos of donkeys with cope cages…

  9. Some time ago, poor people had horses and rich people started to buy cars. Now it’s the other way around, rich people have horses and poor people cars, or tanks… what’s the difference

  10. Well I didn’t see this coming. If they’re my moving supplies with donkeys how are troops getting to the front ?

  11. This is the fourth February of the war. If pack animals were better than trucks in non mountainous Ukraine, why did they wait?

  14. Man, you should see what Israel is doing (with US weapons).

  16. Lol its perfectly normal…
    “There are serious difficulties in supplying units, especially assault groups, with ammunition, military equipment, and food. If donkeys, horses, or other means are used to deliver these supplies to the front, it’s perfectly normal,” Russian outlets quoted Sobolev as saying .

Comments are closed.