Video from Ukraine’s 92nd Assault Brigade shows a Russian soldier on horseback killed by an FPV (First-Person View) drone in eastern Donetsk, halting a rare cavalry-style assault. Another rider fled after his horse stumbled under fire.

The brigade said Russian troops increasingly rely on horses and donkeys to traverse drone-contested terrain as vehicles are destroyed in heavy fighting. “They are forced to move on horses. But even that doesn’t help — drone operators from the 5th Assault Battalion of the 92nd Brigade ‘take out’ the enemy as soon as they see a target.” 

Earlier reports claimed Russia has also used donkeys and camels to transport ammunition and heavy equipment across terrain Russian officials said is unsuitable for vehicles. 

Despite criticism, Russian officials have publicly defended the use of animals in the war. 

Speaking to Russian media earlier this year, Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev, a State Duma member, said using animals like donkeys and horses to supply frontline units is a normal response to battlefield challenges.