Kathrine Frich
Footage circulating online has drawn attention for its surreal mix of modern warfare and improvised tactics.
The images, widely shared on social media, appear to show Russian troops adapting civilian technology in unexpected ways on the battlefield.
The clips have prompted renewed debate about the state of Russia’s military capabilities as the war in Ukraine continues.
A striking video
The video was posted on X by a user known as Special Kherson Cat, who claims to be from the occupied Kherson region.
It shows a Russian soldier demonstrating how a Starlink terminal and a video camera were attached to a horse’s saddle.
In the footage, the soldier explains that the setup allows real-time video transmission while riding.
“I welded it, everything is clear, everything works perfectly,” he says while pointing to the equipment mounted on the animal.
Subsequent shots show live images filmed from behind the horse, presenting the animal as an improvised mobile surveillance platform.
Online reaction
The scenes quickly went viral, with users describing them as resembling an absurd modern war film.
Analysts and commentators highlighted the contrast between advanced satellite communication technology and the use of animals for reconnaissance.
While the authenticity and operational use of the setup cannot be independently verified, the footage added to a growing collection of images showing unconventional Russian battlefield adaptations.
Return of cavalry
The use of horses by Russian forces is not new.
In February 2025, Forbes reported that Russian troops had begun relying on horses again due to heavy losses of armoured vehicles and other military equipment.
According to analysts cited by the magazine, the “demechanization” of Russian units has made infantry more exposed to Ukrainian artillery and drone strikes.
Donkeys and losses
Other examples have surfaced in recent months. In December, soldiers from Ukraine’s 92nd Assault Brigade “Ivan Sirko” released footage of a Ukrainian drone striking a Russian cavalryman.
Many viewers expressed sympathy for the animal involved.
In September, Ukrainian journalist and military officer Yuri Butusov reported that Russian soldiers were being issued donkeys for transport.
One such animal was later captured by Ukrainian forces.
In Moscow, State Duma deputy and retired lieutenant general Viktor Sobolev defended the practice, calling the use of donkeys for logistics “normal.”
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Sources: Ziare.com, X (Special Kherson Cat), Forbes
