Russian Ministry of Defense Reportedly Deploys Donkeys for Frontline Logistics

Due to significant losses of military equipment, the Russian Ministry of Defense has reportedly begun supplying donkeys to its troops on the frontlines in Ukraine.

According to multiple Russian Telegram channels, these animals are being used as a substitute for conventional transport, carrying ammunition, supplies, and even assisting in troop movements across combat zones.

Reports indicate that frontline units have already received these animals as part of logistical operations.

A widely shared message from a Russian soldier details his reaction to receiving a donkey instead of conventional transport. “Just accept it as a fact. Don’t ask where, why, or how. I don’t know. But the fact is, they issued us a donkey.”

It is stationed with the support unit. We have issues with transport, our trucks are being destroyed. So now we have a donkey to carry ammunition. A real, living donkey. Not humanitarian aid—our logistics truck went to pick up supplies and came back with a donkey,” the soldier reportedly stated.

Other accounts indicate that certain units have received multiple animals for similar purposes.

Some Russian military commentators argue that using donkeys provides advantages, such as silent movement in combat zones. However, others highlight the contrast with Ukraine’s military, which has increasingly adopted advanced drone and mechanized systems for battlefield operations.

At the same time, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports losses in Russian military equipment since the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

As of February 5, 2025, the estimated losses in Russian military equipment include tanks 9,947, armored fighting vehicles 20,721, vehicles and fuel tanks 36,078.

Earlier, Ukrainian drone operators from the 65th Mechanized Brigade released footage of strikes on Russian troops using stolen civilian vehicles in combat. The video highlights how Russian forces, facing significant equipment losses, are now resorting to repurposed cars for logistics and assaults instead of armored vehicles.