Is Russia running out of weapons and manpower for its war in Ukraine?

As Ukrainian attacks wipe out their tanks and armoured vehicles, Moscow’s troops adopt new tactics amid ammunition woes.

Kyiv, Ukraine – Donkeys are the newest mode of transportation some Russian military units have begun using on the front lines of eastern Ukraine, according to Moscow’s soldiers and pro-war bloggers.

The use of braying quadrupeds to deliver ammunition and supplies is “normal”, retired Russian Lieutenant General Viktor Sobolev reportedly said.

“It’s better to have a donkey killed instead of the two men that deliver cargo in their vehicle,” he told the Gazeta.ru website on February 6.

Last year, Russia began using motorcycles, dirt bikes, electric scooters and civilian cars for frontal attacks on Ukrainian positions.

Observers say the downgrading reflects a growing trend that significantly hobbles Russia’s already slow advance on the war’s main theatre – the southeastern Donbas region.