Russia’s military is facing severe logistical problems, with its soldiers resorting to the use of donkeys and horses to transport supplies to the frontlines. This reliance on pack animals highlights the growing challenges the Kremlin faces in maintaining its invasion of Ukraine, despite its claims of military superiority.
Reports from Defence Express indicate that these animals are being used for essential supply deliveries, including ammunition, food, and military equipment. This development has drawn widespread attention, as it contradicts Moscow’s usual narrative that its army remains well-equipped and capable.
The issue has even forced Russian state-controlled media to address the matter. Retired Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev, a Russian lawmaker and former military commander, attempted to justify the situation, stating that supply problems are “normal” in wartime and that using horses and donkeys is a practical solution. He compared the practice to Soviet-era tactics, including the use of animals in World War II.
The official acknowledgment of these difficulties is a rare break from Moscow’s usual messaging, which insists that the war is progressing “as planned.” Yet, evidence suggests that Russian forces are struggling to cope with Ukrainian drone warfare, which has created dangerous zones where traditional supply convoys cannot operate safely. As a result, Russian troops are forced to carry supplies on foot or rely on animals.
According to open-source data, at least two Russian military units had pack animals before the full-scale invasion in 2022. These include the 55th Motorised Rifle Brigade, which used Mongolian horses, and the 34th Separate Motorised Rifle Mountain Brigade, which relied on Karachay horses. While these animals were initially used for operations in mountainous regions, their use in current battle zones raises questions about the state of Russian logistics.
Reports suggest that Ukrainian drone activity has rendered certain areas impassable for Russian vehicles, forcing their troops to find alternative methods of supply transport. Russian sources have admitted that frontline units frequently struggle to receive ammunition and food. The sight of soldiers using horses in the middle of what was supposed to be a swift and decisive military operation further underlines Russia’s growing battlefield difficulties.
Despite the Kremlin’s attempts to downplay the situation, the increasing reliance on outdated methods is an undeniable sign of deeper issues within Russia’s war machine. While Moscow insists that all is well, the reality on the ground paints a very different picture.
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