Ukrainian troops using cat meows to ‘lure Russian troops towards booby-traps’

22 January 2025, 15:16

In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanised Brigade press service, a Ukrainian soldier pets his cat standing by the Christmas tree on the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 65th Mechanised Brigade press service, a Ukrainian soldier pets his cat standing by the Christmas tree on the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

Ukrainian troops are harnessing cats to gain an upper hand on the battlefield, with recordings of felines being used to lure Russian soldiers towards booby-traps.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The concept sees Zelenskyy's troops using recordings of cat meows to entice Vladimir Putin’s forces towards trigger release explosive, a Russian soldier has claimed.

The latest bid by Ukraine to outmanoeuvre Russian forces, it has now been claimed troops are capitalising on Russians’ reported love of cats.

It's reported the plan has been used by forces in eastern Ukraine, notably the Donetsk region - an area that has seen fierce combat in recent months.

The unusual claim, as reported by The Times, could not be verified but was made by a Russian sapper during an interview with Russian defence ministry-owned channel, TV Zvezda.

Ukrainian soldier seen with a cat in his post in the village Marinka.The conflict in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine has been going on for more than 3 years and there is no sign of ending.
Ukrainian soldier seen with a cat in his post in the village Marinka.The conflict in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine has been going on for more than 3 years and there is no sign of ending. Picture: Alamy

“We go in, we hear meowing, let’s say, in the cupboard. When you open it, out of compassion, there is a blast, because it has been rigged with explosives,” Leonid Otdelnov, the commander of a mine-clearing unit, said.

Otdelnov explained that a series of incidents saw the animals sound as Russian soldiers entered buildings.

He did not clarify whether any Russian soldiers had been killed as a result of the trap, with Kyiv yet to comment on the matter.

Read more: Trump demands apology from Washington bishop who warned he was sowing fear among LGBTQ people

Read more: Prince Harry awarded 'substantial' damages as he settles privacy lawsuit against publishers of The Sun

Last year it was reported that soldiers had were bringing cats into frontline trenches in a bid to curb a rodent infestation plaguing troops on the battlefield.

Vladimir Maligyn, the head of a pro-Kremlin group, said: “Our cats are used to catch mice and calm soldiers down.”

Ukrainian soldier with stray cat outdoors, closeup
Ukrainian soldier with stray cat outdoors, closeup. Picture: Alamy

It's believed some of the animals once belonged to fleeing Ukrainians, with thousands of animals now living as scavengers in abandoned areas of eastern Ukraine.

It comes as President Trump claimed that almost one million Russian soldiers and 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the start of the war.

Russian forces are attempting to capture as much land as possible ahead of Trump coming to power - and the possibility of a ceasefire in the region.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Donald Trump signs an executive order imposing tariffs on imported goods

'Liberation Day' explained: What are Trump's tariffs and how will they impact the UK?

The blurry thieves stole £3,000 worth of cigarettes and vapes.

Police release CCTV after thieves steal £3,000 of vapes - but images leave the public calling for 'the ghostbusters'

Julie Goodyear

Julie Goodyear's husband shares rare photo of Coronation Street star two years on from dementia diagnosis

: An aerial view shows the scorched graveyard around a church following a large blaze the previous day, on July 20, 2022 in Wennington, Greater London

Londoners urged not to have barbecues this weekend amid soaring temperatures 'because of wildfire risk'

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' and warns that the president 'hasn't thought it through'

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Husband left 'utterly bereft' after Brit mum and two daughters killed in New York car crash

The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2: Exciting reveal, but why is it more expensive here?

BRITAIN-FUNERAL-POLICE

Funeral director charged with 64 offences including fraud, theft and preventing 30 lawful burials

swallow-tail

Brits urged to 'stop mowing lawns' amid 'national butterfly crisis' with more than half of species in decline

Kyle Kitchen, 38, murdered eight-week-old Primose Kane

Dad who murdered daughter by violently shaking her as baby is jailed for life

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza

Israel expands ground attack on Gaza to seize 'large areas' - despite pleas from hostage families

Douglas Clifton Brown, 56, tried to kill his estranged wife

Old Etonian who tried to murder his estranged partner by throwing her down a 240ft well is jailed for 24 years

Kaliyah Coa, 11, was reportedly down at the water when she was 'swept away'

Pictured: Missing 11-year-old 'swept away' while paddling in the River Thames

Hot cross buns could be scarce this Easter as farmers continue to protest against Rachel Reeves' 'tractor tax'.

Hot cross bun shortage looms as farmers escalate 'tractor tax' protests

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was shot

Teenage girl shot dead during gang 'ride-out' following social media humiliation

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Brit mum and daughters, eight and five, killed in crash by driver who said 'I have the devil in me'