Cats have become an unexpected frontline in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian soldiers have found comfort and companionship in the stray cats that seek protection from the constant shelling and destruction caused by the war. These feline friends help to fight off mice that infest the trenches and destroy food supplies and military gear. Some soldiers adopt the cats and take them home, while others keep them in the trenches and pass them on to other units during rotation. The cats have also become a way to raise funds for the military, with their popularity on social media attracting donations.
In response, Russia has also humanized its invading soldiers by showing them with their own cats. Russian propaganda has jumped on the story of Ukraine’s “mobilizing cats” as a sign of desperation. Regional outlets in Russia have published similar stories about cats on their side of the frontline, presumably to humanize the military in the face of ongoing reports of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. These stories often feature cats taken in by Russian soldiers after being allegedly abandoned by their Ukrainian owners.
The role of cats in the conflict is not just a matter of propaganda, but also a source of comfort and companionship for soldiers in a difficult and dangerous environment. The cats provide emotional support and help to alleviate some of the stress and trauma of war. They also serve a practical purpose by keeping the trenches free of mice and other pests. The bond between soldiers and their feline friends is a reminder of the resilience and humanity that can be found even in the midst of war.
