August M
An unusual battlefield encounter has highlighted how the war in Ukraine continues to defy modern expectations. What began as a mounted assault ended with Ukrainian forces gaining unexpected new resources.
The incident involved frontline troops responding to a tactic rarely seen in contemporary combat, with outcomes that quickly shifted in Ukraine’s favour.
Frontline encounter
UNITED24 Media reported that soldiers from Ukraine’s 1st Separate Assault Regiment, named after Dmytro Kotsiubailo, stopped a Russian advance carried out on horseback. Two Russian troops were killed during the operation.
The regiment’s commander, Dmytro “Perun” Filatov, confirmed that the horses involved in the attack were not injured. “No animals were harmed during the defensive operation,” the regiment stated.
The animals were recovered following the clash and taken into Ukrainian control.
Rare tactics
According to the report, Russian forces attempted to overrun Ukrainian defensive positions using mounted troops, a method largely absent from modern warfare. Ukrainian scouts detected the movement in advance and warned defending units.
This early warning allowed Ukrainian fighters to prepare and respond quickly. When the riders approached, Ukrainian forces opened fire and neutralised the attackers.
The horses were then secured without injury.
New battlefield use
Filatov said the captured horses will now be repurposed to support Ukrainian operations. Rather than remaining a symbol of the failed assault, they are expected to assist with evacuating wounded soldiers from frontline areas to safer positions in the rear.
UNITED24 Media noted that this adaptation reflects how Ukrainian units continue to make practical use of available resources under combat conditions.
Broader context
The report also highlighted that Russian troops have increasingly used horses for logistical support. In some cases, mounted soldiers have been seen transporting Starlink satellite terminals to maintain internet access while moving, particularly for drone operations.
Separately, it has previously been reported that Ukrainian military engineers discovered Russian forces had rigged Starlink terminals attached to drones with explosive traps.
This has raised safety concerns around capturing such equipment and drawn attention to Russia’s growing use of Western technology on the battlefield.
The cavalry incident underscores how unconventional tactics and rapid adaptation continue to shape fighting on the front lines.
Sources: UNITED24 Media
