Russia Uses Animal Carcasses as Drone-Deployed Explosives in Ukraine

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of animal remains used in warfare, which some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.

Russian troops have begun using animal carcasses as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), deploying them via drones for both area denial and targeted attacks.

According to imagery published by Militarnyi, explosives are concealed inside the bodies of wild animals. The footage shows explosive components wrapped in fabric and carefully placed within the animal remains. These improvised devices are then attached to drones and released over specific locations.

Military analysts cited by Militarnyi note that using animal carcasses in this manner complicates detection by conventional methods, increasing the risk to personnel operating in the area. The tactic serves both to mine terrain and deliver strikes on precise targets.

This method is not entirely new. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there have been documented cases of Russian forces booby-trapping not only abandoned equipment but also the bodies of their own soldiers. The goal is to inflict additional casualties and slow down Ukrainian movements.

In addition to their use as explosive containers, animals have also been used by Russian forces for logistical purposes, including the transport of military supplies.

Earlier, Russian media reported that the Ministry of Defense had begun deploying donkeys to frontline positions in Ukraine to compensate for a shortage of transport vehicles. The animals are being used to carry ammunition and supplies, following heavy losses in Russia’s logistics fleet.