Russian Cavalry Returns in Ukraine War: Desperation or Strategy?

19th Century Tactics Meet 21st Century Warfare

In a bizarre twist to modern warfare, Russian forces in Ukraine have increasingly turned to horses and mules for battlefield operations. Since late 2025, reports from the frontlines near Pokrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Siversk indicate a surprising resurgence of cavalry tactics in what analysts describe as either a desperate adaptation or a calculated return to basics.

'When horses appear on a battlefield dominated by drones, that's never because someone discovered a forgotten advantage. It's because something else has failed,' says American veteran and military analyst Wes O'Donnell, who characterizes the use of horses as a symptom rather than a strategy.

The Logistics Breakdown

The shift toward equine transport comes amid significant Russian vehicle losses. According to Forbes reports, Russia has lost approximately 15,000 military vehicles since the conflict began. With supply lines stretched thin and Ukrainian drones targeting anything with a combustion engine, horses offer a low-tech alternative that's less detectable and can navigate difficult terrain where vehicles struggle.

Russian military bloggers and state media have framed the development as a tactical innovation. Russia Today featured videos showing mounted units in training, praising the 'revival of Russian cavalry' and highlighting horses' supposed ability to avoid landmines and navigate at night. One Russian commander explained that attack troops need to cover 10-15 kilometers with equipment and ammunition while conserving energy for combat operations.

Drone Vulnerability and Adaptation

Despite propaganda claims, military experts note significant drawbacks. Horses present large thermal signatures that make them vulnerable to drone attacks equipped with thermal cameras. Ukrainian drone operators have developed specific tactics against mounted units, often choosing to spook horses rather than kill them, causing riders to fall before targeting dismounted soldiers.

'Horses don't come back because Russia found a smart solution to drone warfare. They come back because fuel trucks don't arrive, vehicles don't survive, and roads essentially no longer exist once artillery is done with them,' O'Donnell adds.

Starlink and Modern Integration

In perhaps the strangest fusion of old and new, Russian soldiers have reportedly used horses as mobile platforms for Starlink satellite internet terminals. Videos circulating online show animals outfitted with communication equipment, allowing soldiers to maintain connectivity in remote areas. However, SpaceX has since blocked Russian access to Starlink services, according to Ukraine's Defense Ministry.

The Russian military establishment appears divided on the approach. Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev of the State Duma Defense Committee told Gazeta that using donkeys and horses to bring supplies to the front should now be considered normal, noting that Red Army artillery was horse-drawn during World War II.

Failed Attacks and Ukrainian Response

Russian cavalry attacks have met with limited success. Two assaults in early January and another last week were reportedly repelled by Ukrainian drone units. According to United24 reports, Ukrainian operators initially hesitated to kill horses but developed tactics where drones fly low to startle animals, causing riders to fall before targeting the dismounted soldiers.

Samuel Bendett, an expert on the Russian military and advisor to CAN and CNAS think tanks, describes the development as 'an ad-hoc adaptation, not a broader set of tactics and policy measures.' He notes that the war changes quickly and produces bizarre examples of adaptation under fire.

Historical Context and Future Implications

Cavalry has a long military history, dating back to ancient times when mounted soldiers provided mobility and shock value. While largely ceremonial in modern armies, some forces maintain mounted units for difficult terrain. The Russian experiment represents perhaps the most significant combat use of cavalry since World War II.

Interestingly, Ukrainian special forces have also reportedly used horses for deep operations on Russian territory, suggesting both sides recognize certain advantages in specific circumstances. During December operations near Pokrovsk, mounted Russian units were particularly effective for infiltration during poor weather when defenders couldn't effectively use drones.

As the war continues, the sight of horses on a drone-dominated battlefield serves as a stark reminder of how conflict forces adaptation, blending centuries-old tactics with cutting-edge technology in unexpected ways.

Sources

Forbes: After Losing 15,000 Vehicles, United24: Back to Horses, Meduza: Send in the Cavalry, Jalopnik: Ukrainian Drones vs Russian Cavalry