Ukrainian Troops Rescue Russian Military Camel Amid Protracted Eastern Front Conflict

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian forces have resorted to using pack animals such as Bactrian camels, donkeys, and horses to transport ammunition and supplies, compensating for damaged vehicles and challenging terrain. Ukrainian troops recently captured a seven-foot, one-tonne Bactrian camel wandering near a Russian position in eastern Ukraine, an incident that has highlighted the unusual and desperate measures taken by Moscow amid the protracted war. These animals, adapted to severe weather and capable of carrying heavy loads, are used where motorized transport is too risky due to drone and artillery threats. Russian officials, including Viktor Sobolev of the Duma defense committee, have defended the practice, stating it is normal and preferable to risking soldiers' lives during supply transport. Additionally, Russian troops have been training horse-mounted assault teams, marking a return to low-tech tactics as their advance slows. The capture of the camel and the use of animals in warfare underscore the logistical challenges Russia faces in maintaining its military operations in Ukraine.