Russian soldiers train for horseback assaults – and donkeys may join the frontline

In the Donbas region, Russian forces are experimenting with horses and donkeys to improve mobility and reduce their dependence on fuel at the front.

Experimenting with old tactics in modern war

It may sound unlikely in the 21st century, but horseback warfare is making a cautious return. Behind the frontlines in eastern Ukraine, the 9th Motor Rifle Brigade’s “Vihar” (Storm) unit has begun a new training program focused on mounted assaults. The initiative was first reported by war blogger Semyon Peganov on Telegram, who said the soldiers were practicing horseback attacks in occupied areas of Donetsk.

According to the unit’s commander, known by the call sign “Khan,” the decision was based on practicality: horses move more easily in rough terrain and are less vulnerable to drones and precision artillery fire. He added that the animals instinctively avoid buried mines and navigate better at night than human soldiers. The unit has reportedly begun live training well behind the active frontlines, Peganov noted — as cited by InfoStart.hu.

Two soldiers, one horse

Both novice and experienced riders are taking part in the training. Each horse carries two soldiers: the one in front controls the animal, while the one behind tries to fire accurately at a gallop – a task that is physically and mentally demanding. The horses are being conditioned not to panic at explosions and to stay calm in cover until the command to charge is given.

Sources describe the tactic as an experimental approach tested by the “Vihar” unit in Donbas. The idea is to create small, mobile pairs capable of striking quickly while avoiding becoming easy drone targets — a challenge for any modern vehicle.

Alternative to fuel shortages

The revival of horseback tactics, however, seems driven less by strategy and more by necessity. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have severely disrupted fuel supplies, forcing the military to seek alternatives. Alongside horses, Moscow reportedly plans to deploy donkeys for logistical tasks. The animals would carry ammunition, water, and food to forward positions and could even help evacuate the wounded.

One soldier described the donkeys as “low-maintenance but incredibly resilient,” adding that their greatest advantage is simple: they don’t need fuel. On today’s frontlines, that’s a decisive asset.

Peganov himself commented on the development:

“I’m sure we are witnessing the historic return of Russian cavalry. Let’s wish good luck to this modern horde.”

It’s a surprising shift, but one that could prove practical: horses and donkeys can reach areas inaccessible to tanks, require no fuel, move quietly, and are harder for drones to detect.

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Modern armies still using horses

Horses have not disappeared entirely from modern militaries. Around the world, several armies still rely on them for patrol or specialized terrain operations:

• Poland: Mounted patrols monitor the swampy border region with Belarus.
• China: Horses are used in mountainous border zones where vehicles cannot pass.
• United States: Special Forces have used horses in mountainous areas, such as during operations in Afghanistan.

The difference is that in these countries, horses play a supporting role — not a return to old-fashioned cavalry charges.
In Russia, however, they’re taking on a new function: filling the gaps left by dwindling vehicles and fuel shortages.