Ukrainian drones destroy Russian cavalry in rare horseback assault

Tuesday 23 December 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukrainian drones destroy Russian cavalry in rare horseback assault

Ukrainian forces have struck Russian soldiers advancing on horseback in one of the most unusual clashes of the war. The incident, captured on video by the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade and released over the weekend, shows Ukrainian drones tracking and targeting Russian cavalry near the eastern front line.

In the footage, at least two Russian troops can be seen riding across open terrain in the Donetsk region when Ukrainian operators deployed explosive first-person-view drones. One drone hit a mounted rider directly, while another explosion caused a horse to flee after throwing its rider. The Ukrainian brigade said the Russian troops had resorted to horseback movements due to mounting losses of vehicles and armored equipment during frequent assaults.

Russia turns to low-tech mobility

Facing severe vehicle shortages and relentless drone surveillance, Russian forces have increasingly reverted to makeshift transport methods. Reports from the Donetsk area indicate that Russian units have begun training mounted assault teams, each composed of two soldiers—one managing the horse and the other overseeing security operations. The practice highlights the growing logistical strain on Russia’s front-line operations as Ukraine’s precision strikes continue to erode its mechanized strength.

According to Ukrainian military estimates, Russia has lost over 11,400 tanks since the start of the war in February 2022. As a result, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and animals are being used to transport personnel and supplies across zones constantly monitored by Ukrainian drones.

Ukraine’s expanding drone supremacy

Ukraine’s reliance on drones has intensified as it faces manpower shortages. Surveillance drones now patrol nearly the entire 600-mile front, identifying movements before explosive drones strike. Combat medics report that drones are responsible for up to 70 percent of battlefield casualties on both sides, reshaping tactical warfare and extending the reach of attacks several miles beyond traditional front lines.

By merging real-time surveillance with precision targeting, Ukraine has turned drone warfare into one of its most formidable advantages. The destruction of a Russian cavalry unit by remote-controlled aircraft underscores how quickly battlefield technology is redefining modern conflict.