Drones have become a key weapon on the battlefield this year, particularly for Ukraine, helping its forces hold positions against Russian troops despite a shortage of infantry. A recently released video shared by the Ukrainian Army highlights how modern warfare in 2025 is intersecting with age-old tactics. Posted on Telegram, the footage shows Russian soldiers moving on horseback while a Ukrainian drone tracks them from above.
In the video, a Russian soldier rides across open terrain as the drone follows his movement. Seconds later, the drone strikes as the soldier tries to flee. Another mounted soldier is also visible just before the attack. The blast knocks the horse to the ground, throwing the rider off. The animal then gets up and runs away, leaving the soldier behind.
Russian soldiers on horseback targeted by Ukrainian drones
An undated video shared by Ukraine’s 5th Assault Battalion of the 92nd Infantry Brigade shows Russian soldiers moving on horseback as Ukrainian drones lock onto them. The brigade posted on Telegram, “The Russian occupiers are losing equipment so fast during their attacks that they are forced to use horses. Even then, our drone operators eliminate targets as soon as they spot them.”
Earlier today, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian cavalry assault in Donetsk Oblast.
Cavalry, in this case, actually using horses. pic.twitter.com/WUlDyWachc---Advertisement---— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) December 22, 2025
The video highlights how crucial drones have become for Ukraine. With limited infantry, Kyiv relies on unmanned systems to locate and strike Russian positions. Surveillance drones monitor the 600-mile front line, replacing traditional reconnaissance. Explosive drones attack first, and larger drones drop bombs from above, while infantry fire is used only when soldiers manage to evade aerial coverage.
Horses and low-tech tactics in modern combat
The use of horses in combat is not new. Militaries have historically deployed horses for patrols and even during major conflicts like World War II, including the Battle of Moscow in 1941. Recently, Russian forces have also experimented with low-tech tactics like tactical motorcycle units to reduce losses from drone strikes.
Targeted attacks on Russian officials
Away from the battlefield, Russia has faced several high-profile attacks on military officials. On Monday morning, a car bomb killed a senior Russian general in southern Moscow, shortly after Russian and Ukrainian delegates held separate talks in Miami about ending the war. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has been linked to multiple attacks on Russian military and pro-Kremlin figures, both inside Russia and in occupied territories.
