According to social media posts, Russia’s armed forces are deploying donkeys to logistics units, and Russia’s State Duma considers the situation “normal.” Ukrainian soldiers have already “captured” their first Russian donkey at the front.
Social media reports say Russian troops are receiving donkeys not from volunteers but from Russia’s Defense Ministry.
A Ukrainian soldier showed himself leading a donkey along a road. The video was shared by Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov.
“Equipment of the ‘second army of the world’: there’s a first trophy donkey,” he noted.
Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET published footage showing a donkey “mobilized” into Russia’s armed forces trying to break free after an explosion, leaving behind two sacks it had been carrying. Russian forces managed to stop the frightened animal.
Social media users say there is now ample evidence online that Russian forces are using donkeys. They are reportedly being issued to logistics units as pack animals.
Defense Express reported that the appearance of donkeys at the front could indicate a shortage of vehicles in Russia or an attempt to run logistics along routes inaccessible to wheeled transport. According to the outlet, the animals are used to deliver cargo and are being provided through the Defense Ministry’s supply chain, not by volunteers.
Russian State Duma deputy and retired lieutenant general Viktor Sobolev acknowledged “very serious difficulties in supplying” units with ammunition, equipment and food, including assault detachments. He called the use of donkeys to strengthen logistics “normal,” noting that during World War II the Soviet army used horses and dogs.
Separately, Russian developers said that since 2022 they have supplied Russia’s armed forces with more than 18,000 “Hortensia” FPV drones of various types. The UAV lineup is used to deliver cargo, conduct bombing, lay mines and more.
