https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/ukraine-rescues-camel-used-by-russian-military/

Ukrainian troops have rescued a Bactrian camel used by Russian soldiers during their offensive in eastern Ukraine.

Footage shows the one-tonne animal pacing behind a white pick-up truck as Ukrainian troops work on a damaged M-113 armoured personnel carrier.

The double-humped camel was taken by Ukrainian troops after they stormed a Russian position and found it wandering around, according to reports.

Bactrian camels, also known as Mongolian camels, are from central Asia and are adapted to survive in severe weather conditions and carry heavy loads. Another camel was photographed being ridden by a Russian soldier in February.

The Telegraph understands that the camel was found in the north-east of Ukraine, near Kharkiv, and may now be on its way to Feldman Ecopark in Lisne, just outside the city.

The park has a rehabilitation centre for animals, and runs programmes which help children and adults with disabilities. Touching the animals plays an important role in therapy sessions.

The park, which has come under Russian shelling and lost six staff members since the start of the war, has been contacted for comment.

Reports suggest that a special unit within Ukraine’s special forces helped with the rescue mission.

Russian soldiers have also been known to use horses and donkeys in their attacks on Ukrainian positions.

Viktor Sobolev, a member of Russia’s Duma defence committee, defended the practice: “If some methods such as donkeys, horses, and so on are used to deliver ammunition and other supplies to the front line, this is normal.”

Over the summer, the commander of the “Storm” unit of Russia’s 9th Brigade of the 51st Army, which operates in the key Donetsk region, began training horse-mounted assault teams.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/ukraine-rescues-camel-used-by-russian-military/