Recent footage shared by the OSINT community Supernova+ appears to show Russian troops entering the outskirts of Pokrovsk on horseback amid ongoing heavy fighting. This unconventional use of horse-mounted units aligns with earlier reports that Russian forces in occupied Donetsk have experimented with cavalry tactics to overcome challenges such as fuel shortages, difficult terrain, and vulnerability to Ukrainian drone strikes. While no official confirmation has been made, analysts view this as battlefield improvisation rather than a formal doctrinal shift.

Previous attempts at mounted operations have proven costly for Russian forces, with Ukrainian drones and precision strikes effectively neutralizing such units. The resurgence of horse cavalry reflects Russia’s struggle with mechanized mobility due to persistent Ukrainian drone dominance and logistical disruptions. This adaptation underscores the evolving nature of warfare in Ukraine, where traditional mechanized tactics are increasingly challenged by modern surveillance and strike technologies.