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Russia Sends Over 600 Confiscated Civillian Cars to Frontlines in Ukraine

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Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Russia Sends Over 600 Confiscated Civillian Cars to Frontlines in Ukraine
Burnt truck and destroyed military equipment of the Russian army on the streets of Bucha, Kyiv region, Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has ramped up efforts to confiscate civilian vehicles to support the country’s military in Ukraine, which is facing a severe transport shortage—so dire that it has resorted to using donkeys and horses for logistics, Prosecutor General’s Office reported on March 26.

In 2024, prosecutors challenged 408 court rulings in criminal cases where confiscation had not been applied. As a result, the number of property seizures tripled.

“Thanks to this, over 600 confiscated vehicles have been transferred to Russia’s Ministry of Defense in 2024, including for use in the ‘special military operation,’” the statement reads.

In September 2023, the Russian government authorized the confiscation of private property for military needs. Vehicles can now be seized from repeat drunk drivers, unlicensed drivers, and those with multiple reckless driving offenses, including frequent violations of oncoming lane rules or excessive speeding.

Confiscation is permitted even if the car is jointly owned; the second owner must file a separate lawsuit to claim compensation for their share. If a vehicle cannot be confiscated—due to sale, destruction, or other reasons—the authorities can seize alternative assets or an equivalent amount of money from the owner.

In 2024, Russia’s Federal Bailiff Service reported handing over more than 190,000 confiscated items to the Ministry of Defense, including vehicles, boats, construction and computer equipment, and even tobacco products, Russian media outlet The Moscow Times wrote.

Meanwhile, the Russian army in Ukraine continues to struggle with transportation shortages.

In addition to requisitioned civilian cars, Russian forces have resorted to using electric scooters for assaults and donkeys and horses to transport ammunition. Russian lawmakers have defended this practice as “normal,” citing similar wartime tactics used during World War II.

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