UPDATE: A Ukrainian drone pilot has made a shocking discovery in a hidden Russian warehouse, uncovering an arsenal filled not with weapons, but with civilian horses and old cars. This unexpected find raises urgent questions about Russia’s military logistics as the war continues to evolve.
The drone pilot, known by his call sign Cosmos, flew his quadcopter into a dilapidated warehouse located approximately 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from the front line in southern Ukraine. Initially suspected to be a logistics hub for Russian troops, the warehouse revealed an odd collection of two bridled horses, several Lada vehicles, and two motorbikes instead of the anticipated military equipment.
“We had not expected to see this. It was unusual,” Cosmos told Business Insider. “We were expecting to find some armored vehicles.” His mission, conducted in early February 2023, quickly transformed from reconnaissance to engagement as his drone was armed with explosives to target military assets.
The video footage of this unusual discovery has since gone viral, highlighting a troubling trend in the conflict: Russian forces increasingly resorting to unconventional transport methods, including pack animals and civilian cars, as their military resources dwindle. Cosmos’ unit, the Wild Division, part of the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, has noted this shift, having observed Russian soldiers using horses in previous assaults.
In a revealing statement, Cosmos explained, “The enemy usually lives in hiding close to these places. It’s common for us to check all targets. Sometimes we can see the enemy infantry or their vehicles.” This new strategy appears to indicate a significant shift in Russian military tactics as they attempt to navigate the ongoing conflict with limited resources.
The commander of Cosmos’ battalion, known as Fizruk, expressed surprise over the discovery of horses, suggesting it indicates that Russian forces are struggling to maintain standard military logistics. “I thought it had been a location for transport vehicles, sort of a transfer hub,” he stated. The presence of civilian vehicles, notably Nivas—affordable off-road cars from Lada—suggests a calculated approach by Russia to minimize losses.
Fizruk elaborated on the economic implications of this strategy: “They treat these like they will be losses anyway… A Niva costs around $2,000. A Hummer, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine uses, could cost over $20,000.” This stark contrast illustrates Russia’s willingness to sacrifice lower-cost vehicles in high-risk scenarios.
As Russian forces continue to face mounting casualties—reportedly up to 25,000 troops per month, according to NATO—Moscow’s reliance on unconventional methods raises concerns about the sustainability of their military operations. The Kremlin’s strategy now seems to involve pressing ground assaults with improvised recruitment and supply methods, including sourcing ammunition from allies like North Korea.
The implications of this discovery are significant. With resource constraints affecting operational capabilities, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may see a shift in tactics, further complicating the battlefield dynamics. The Wild Division is actively monitoring these developments, ready to adapt their strategies based on the evolving situation.
As the war continues to unfold, the world watches closely. The discovery of horses in a supposed military logistics hub not only surprises but also highlights the urgent challenges facing Russian forces. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of warfare and the lengths to which nations will go to sustain their military efforts in modern combat.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation evolves.
