Russia's Desperate Cavalry Tactics: Horses vs. Ukrainian Drones

The Return of Cavalry

• 🐎 Russian troops are resorting to riding horses into battle in Ukraine, a tactic not seen since the 1950s.
• 🎯 This desperate measure follows the death of a Russian soldier on horseback, destroyed by a Ukrainian FPV drone in October 2025.
• ⚠️ The use of horses is highlighted as a sign of Vladimir Putin's increasing desperation on the modern battlefield.

Strategic Vulnerabilities

• 💥 A horseback rider is highly vulnerable to modern weaponry, including rifles, mines, and especially drones.
• 🛰️ Ukrainian FPV drones, capable of speeds up to 37 mph, can easily catch and destroy horses, which typically gallop between 25-35 mph.
• 🛡️ Reports suggest Russian soldiers have even used horses as shields against drones, a tactic that ultimately failed.

Underlying Causes for Horse Deployment

• ⛽ Fuel Crisis: Ukraine's successful strikes on 21 of Russia's 38 oil refineries have crippled output by 40%, leading to severe fuel shortages affecting military logistics.
• 📉 Vehicle Depletion: Russia has lost a significant portion of its pre-war reserves of tanks (46% remaining) and infantry fighting vehicles (42% remaining), with many in poor repair.
• 🚶 Soldier Exhaustion: Reliance on small infantry assaults due to equipment and fuel shortages leads to extreme soldier exhaustion from long marches and carrying heavy gear.

Formalization of Cavalry Training

• 📈 Despite the obvious risks and failures, Russia is reportedly formalizing cavalry training for its special forces units.
• 🧠 Commanders cite unusual reasons for this, such as horses having better "instincts" for landmines and superior night vision, which are heavily disputed.
• 🐴 The tactic of two men per horse, one steering and one providing fire cover, is also being explored, though its practicality in combat is questioned.

Symbolic vs. Practical Use

• 🎭 While Russia may attempt to frame the use of horses as symbolic, harkening back to past military glories or Soviet propaganda, the reality is driven by severe logistical and equipment shortages.
• 💔 Ukrainian soldiers express sadness at having to target horses but acknowledge it's a necessary combat action to reduce human casualties.
• 🤦 The decision to use horses in assaults is seen as foolish and a clear indicator of Russia's dire military situation, with the Kremlin paying a price for this desperation.