On a farm perhaps, but not on the front line, alongside Russian soldiers. Yet... Donkeys have arrived as reinforcements in the war between Ukraine and Russia. According to Défense Express, Moscow will officially use donkeys to deliver military goods to the front line.

Donkeys are being used by Vladimir Putin ’s troops to move ammunition and supplies to the frontline in Ukraine amid a shortage of military vehicles, according to Russian soldiers and war bloggers. The animals were being provided directly to troops by Russia ’s defence ministry, a number of unnamed soldiers said on Telegram.

World reaction sees Russia’s regression to the pack animals as a black mark on the nation’s military prestige.