Category
Latest news

Ukraine Unleashes Robotic “Donkey” While Russia Sends Real Ones to the Front

2 min read
Authors
Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR
Ukraine Unleashes Robotic “Donkey” While Russia Sends Real Ones to the Front
Ukrainian “Donkey” tracked ground robot climbs over a fallen tree during off-road testing. (Source: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has officially approved a new domestically developed tracked robotic platform named “Donkey” for operational use in the Armed Forces.

The multifunctional unmanned ground vehicle is designed to support a wide range of battlefield tasks—from logistics and evacuation to surveillance and engineering operations.

According to the ministry on May 5, the system was created by a team of Ukrainian engineers in direct response to frontline military requirements.

The robot features two silent electric motors and steel tracks, enabling it to navigate difficult terrain including sand, mud, and rugged off-road environments. It can carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms and has sufficient towing power to extract vehicles such as stuck off-road trucks.

Ukrainian “Donkey” ground robot and support unit transport supplies across sandy terrain during field operations. (Source: Robotic Systems)
Ukrainian “Donkey” ground robot and support unit transport supplies across sandy terrain during field operations. (Source: Robotic Systems)

The “Donkey” platform is compact enough to be transported in a van or on a trailer and can be configured in multiple variants. These include versions for cargo transport, casualty evacuation, remote mining, communications relay, and even integration with combat modules and surveillance equipment.

Its robust control channels, including an optional fiber-optic link, ensure secure operation in contested environments. The battery-powered system is capable of several hours of continuous movement at maximum speed under any weather conditions.

The arrival of this domestically produced robotic system contrasts sharply with reports from Russia’s own frontlines, where logistical challenges have pushed troops to use live animals for supply transport.

Russian army donkey equipped with electronic warfare gear and a military helmet, reportedly used for frontline logistics. (Photo: Open source)
Russian army donkey equipped with electronic warfare gear and a military helmet, reportedly used for frontline logistics. (Photo: Open source)

As reported in February 2025, Russian troops have begun deploying donkeys to move ammunition and supplies across combat zones due to a lack of available vehicles.

This was confirmed by photos showing donkeys in active frontline positions, reportedly integrated into support units.

A Russian soldier, quoted in a widely shared message, described receiving a donkey in place of standard equipment: “Don’t ask where, why, or how. I don’t know. But the fact is, they issued us a donkey.” Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev later defended the practice, stating: “It’s better for a donkey to be killed than for two people transporting supplies by vehicle to be lost.”

See all