Frontline battle cats: Meet Ukraine's surprising secret weapon | Frontline | Daily Mail

Frontline battle cats: Meet Ukraine's surprising secret weapon | Frontline | Daily Mail
Murka is a timid little cat who lost a rear leg to Russian artillery fire in a frontline village in Donetsk. She still won't allow herself to be petted by the Ukrainian soldiers who tended her wounds and saved her life. But as she is a stray and no longer able to hunt efficiently, she is dependent on them for food. And so Murka has become a ghostly, hopping presence on the margins of their field kitchen. The soldiers make sure she doesn't go hungry. Another cat, Dusia, was abandoned when her civilian owners fled the Russian advance and is now under the care of a fire support company of the frontline 41st Brigade.
Reporter: Richard Pendlebury
Cameraman: Jamie Wiseman
Additional footage from: Daria Bahlai, Getty, Reuters and hromadske
Translator: Oleksandr Kostiuchenko
Edited by: Natasha Nellis, Nishan Chilkuri and Lisa Snell
Motion Graphics: Riccardo Fissore
Read the incredible story HERE: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
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[@williamchow7533]

Anyone who has owned a cat knows how much comfort they can bring in difficult times. I wish these soldiers and their feline companions well.

[@BiGDuke6Actual]

Err, or has been owned by a cat..

[@RonValdes]

It's very sad

[@user-iv6vy3ph1e]

​@@RonValdes do u steel respect Hitler?

[@LowKeyStatus]

On crip too

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@john_in_phoenix]

Anyone who has ever had a pet recognizes their psychological value. The story of soldiers going 160 kilometers to recover a cat left behind doesn't surprise me a bit. Slava Ukraine!

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Exactly, as they wouldn't leave their comrade behind, making them very different from the Russian Conscripts...

[@leozackdestron1574]

Elso averyone knows how much cats a afraid of loud sounds. It's torture to the cat being to the war.

[@paulinagabrys8874]

Ruscy nigdy nie wróciliby się po kolegę a co dopiero zwierzę

[@artmax1998]

@@davidhollenshead4892 noice copium

[@KityKatKiller]

​@@artmax1998 Shut it, Vatnik.

[@Centurion101B3C]

My platoon had adopted a young crow. Discipline was expressed in gathered worms to feed the crow and happily done by the soldiers. He repayed us by scouting for us.

[@crystalheart9]

Wonderful, the crow will repay you with protection.💖

[@cuervojones4889]

Corvids are pretty awesome. Very smart and very loyal.

[@hydramag_dragon1244]

That is beautiful. I'm wondering how do you communicate it's findings with it after it scouts, or do you just attach a small camera to it somehow?

[@Centurion101B3C]

@@hydramag_dragon1244 Well this was when camera's were about the size of a bazooka, so no, we did not resort to animal cruelty by having it lug that around. You can however read a lot from a crow and how it behaves. When he returns and keeps looking (pointing) into a certain direction while trying to get our attention, you know that he found something that may need looking into further. Do NOT expect a full sitrep or recrep from it.

[@crystalheart9]

@@Centurion101B3C Thank you for providing more information on your amazing crow scout. Animals can tell you a lot if you pay attention to them. Their senses are so much better than ours.

[@arlenegojocco7518]

"Unlike people, they are not treacherous." Spot on!!!

[@googull4778]

I’ve had arguments with cats whether they get more food or let outside before I have to leave the house. But other than that, they’re great roommates.

[@adamtheownerofyourpassiona3879]

yeah but they WILL betray you if you dont play your cards right unlike his cat

[@shellz831]

I came to make THIS EXACT COMMENT. Truer words have never been spoken. Animals ARE BETTER than humans. ❤❤❤❤🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😽😽😽

[@happyvocal]

I beg to differ, my cat hides in the bush out back and jumps out with his paws in the air to bear-hug my leg when I am walking by 😂😂 extremely treacherous!

[@48forks]

lol cats are treacherous af

[@pr248]

All these cats should be immediately promoted to the rank of Colonel.

[@thefunpolice]

Colonel Purrnel.

[@ChickenMcThiccken]

they should have their own legion lol

[@jilledelweiss6445]

Catptain

[@mikeluke9685]

​@@ChickenMcThicckenForeign Military Cat 😺🪖 Legion

[@Born2Losenot2win]

oh like sgt reckless! idk about colonel but marines do make privates salute to animals that are considered marines XD

[@brealistic3542]

I'm glad these little animals can help the soldiers and the soldiers them. Its nice to see.

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@aceytoja]

@@RynaxAlien schizo

[@dyslexicbatnam1350]

Yet the Russian soldiers are evil and don't exist.

[@JetFalcon710]

@@RynaxAlien Do not

[@babecat2000]

​@@RynaxAlienanimal abuser

[@richardgoebel226]

You have earned the cats trust if you can scratch its belly.

[@The_Venerate]

So true However, there are some breeds that are odd in that they prefer it!

[@tdbhmusic]

There are some cats that just don't like it, even after you've earned their trust. They are individuals with their own likes and purrrsonalities

[@The_Venerate]

@@tdbhmusic exactly!

[@jessethepersiankitty2377]

Indeed. It's the ultimate display of trust.

[@fuzzyfox6719]

I'm impressed by these soldiers. Listen to what they're saying obviously but look at the background. The trenches and hovels they're living in are clean and not cluttered. It shows discipline and hope against an adversary who was expected to just plow right over them. Compare that to videos from Russia and there's trash scattered about. It's why Ukraine is worth fighting for, cheering for and giving whatever we can for. They're a people of hope and not despair.

[@Ithinkthereforeiam-ph9nb]

Of course! They are Ukrainians❤… they are not Russians who live in dirt and poop and disease

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

I already thought highly of the Ukrainians, I married one :) But the amazing abilities and fortitude of them surviving and fighting this evil just blows me away like a Russian on a tank turret.

[@Ithinkthereforeiam-ph9nb]

@@colorbugoriginals4457 Слава Украине! Все будет Украина! Крым есть Украина!

[@clickbaitcharlie2329]

Why people think this is Ukraine's war mystifies me?...ukraine loses whichever way it goes..(it is a proper fascist dictatorship?, go ahead..elect a new government..this is prolly hoppy bidens plan too?).

[@prapanthebachelorette6803]

I agree ❤

[@a0flj0]

"We even love our mosquitos more than Russians." - spot on.

[@barbarakauppi9915]

Yes, the rest of the civilized world feels quite the same. Even mosquitos merely strive to eat, and do not seek out to maim, rape, destroy, and/or annihilate anyone.

[@DanielHernandez-bx8tk]

Typical leftist brainwashed by the western media. You still think Russia is fighting war against the Ukraine right? Zelensky will meet the same fate as Saddam in the end haha

[@LewisDM]

That's an unbelievable quote don't you think. Imagine the history lessons we had as kids and the books we were made to read in 100 years time, talking about this conflict. I just hope Ukranians know we think the same.

[@coryearnest9464]

@@LewisDM I dont think of Ukranians or Russians as anything less than human. Both countries had countless men drafted to fight in a war they dont want to be in.

[@kjererrrt2381]

@@coryearnest9464 it's ok to think about ukes as such. unlike the russians they ain't created anything useful throughout their short history. they have always been someone's slaves.

[@MISCSTUFFS]

2:55 damn behemoth is a glorious looking cat

[@pauls3204]

He’s a Main Coon , someone has lost him and will be very upset

[@generalpurpose772]

Behemoth has a majestic coat

[@kdw75]

Doubt that kitty ever gets cold. LOL

[@nobody7232]

My favorite, too...

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

Norwegian Forest Cat?

[@sgtreid7659]

Ask one of those cats just how hard it is to supervise and manage a unit and do all the hunting. During my deployments, cats were very important in keeping me grounded. They also reduce disease by deterring vermin. We also had a Fox on base. When she had a kit, we named him Rommel (the Desert Fox). I wish I could post pics.

[@janemiettinen5176]

Im an artist, never been in military (with my personality it’s like asking for chaos, destruction from within), but Id think war cats bring tiny slice of normalcy and de-stressing with them. Watching their antics is often better than tv, some cats have wicked sense of humor (I woke up with rally stripes, aka dragged poop, on the front my tee recently.. I swear I heard one of them laughing maniacally, as I showed it to my husband!), cant cuddle them and keep being amped up, mental downtime achieved in middle of hell. Line soldier might not feel they are that important to the mission or high brass, but will certainly know they are VIP to the animal. Cats are unbelievably loyal to their humans. Also, I agree with the supervisory role, cats are born to do it, they have that judgmental glare locked and loaded, always at the ready and Rommel is just about the most perfect name for battlefield fox!

[@dubuyajay9964]

You ever ate the animals they caught? They can catch lizards and snakes you know.

[@sgtreid7659]

@@dubuyajay9964 uhhhhh. No. The idea is that they -the cats- eat things that would eat our food. A problem was that US service personnel have a soft spot for the kitties, doggos, and even the desert puppers (foxes and jackals) that they’d feed them so much that they wouldn’t hunt. Efforts to prevent it were futile. Note. Earlier there was a much less enlightened approach by the military. I don’t like thinking about it.

[@RoseNZieg]

some studies had shown that well fed cats still kill as much animals as unfeeded ones if not more.

[@Unknownentityfeline]

​@@RoseNZiegI was just about to say the same thing. You beat me to it. I'm so glad you did, though. You're right, and I just want to support your comment and thank you for writing it. It's misguided to say that well-fed cats won't hunt. They might even be better at it because they have the energy to spare.

[@theamazingbatboy]

The scores of people I saw carrying their pets to safety at the start of the war was something that really marked me. The way animals, farm and domestic, feature so heavily in the coverage of Ukraine-that and their sense of humour are the things which have really endeared the Ukrainian people to me.

[@sabeaver9677]

Yes I am of Ukrainian descent & on Twitter I saw a man carrying out his bowl of goldfish - I will never forget the love of life my people showed under the worst circumstances.

[@theamazingbatboy]

@@sabeaver9677 Animal lovers, tenders of the land and Cossacks. That is a terrific heritage

[@jn8922]

But is that surprising? Do people or your culture not care about their animals?

[@giuseppeamato9159]

the civilization of a people is judged by how they treat animals (gandhi)

[@andrewphillips8341]

This is true. Just dont look to deep into Gandhi personal life. He was a monster.

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@perthyren601]

​@@andrewphillips8341and your source are?

[@bjornh4664]

@@RynaxAlien That's mistreating them. They need the protein and nutrients. Don't project your ideology on carnivores.

[@yaltschuler]

The actual quote: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

[@dr.janitor2674]

What a lovely story under such terrible circumstances for cat and human.

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@JetFalcon710]

@@RynaxAlien Do not do this

[@RynaxAlien]

@@JetFalcon710 Do it or keep no pets

[@JetFalcon710]

@@RynaxAlien If I get any pets, I'll do some _actual research_ on their dietary requirements instead of just feeding them lettuce leaves and hoping for the best

[@RynaxAlien]

@@JetFalcon710 Do but DO NOT cause suffering to farm animals

[@ryokkeno]

Cats are incredibly valuable working pets. They'll keep the vermin count down, provide some nice companionship, and can alert you to incoming without the wide area notifications of a dog. Anyone who's had a barn cat or just a reasonably outdoorsy cat knows what i'm talking about.

[@intothemystic3374]

Yes! I watch my cat while outdoors. She alerts me to EVERYTHING. Nothings gets by a cat.

[@AdamK5958]

My cats could pick up on a Fox outside in the garden, from inside the house in pitch darkness, great animals.

[@lisabishop6266]

My cat Lil Bit was my early warning system in my last apt 😂. Normally, he was on my bed most of the day, or my front windowsill. But when he would see my landlords truck, he immediately would hide under my bed! I would look out the window(s) and sure enough.. Funny thing is, my upstairs neighbor had a truck much louder, plus he owns a Harley, which he would park under the front window. Neither bothered my cat at all! I think my cat just knew my landlord was an a$$hole 😂😂😂

[@GarrisonFall]

Very interesting. I've only had dogs, very useful but not at all stealthy without much training. I've never heard of cats giving warnings - marvellous!

[@Zach-ku6eu]

Cats are better than guard dogs. They patrol all night, and let you know what's out there (quietly) without giving away your position!!

[@Zach-ku6eu]

Just saying as a combat veteran, dogs are hard to teach to just growl, not bark all the time. 🐱 don't like to give their position away on the hunt, they have a home spot, protect it from all intruders, and adapt to relocation quickly if you move. Vets, see a kitten pick it up and spoil it in the warmth of your jacket, share your food, that's all it takes. Teach it that the guys on perimeter watch have food. It'll patrol around the whole camp from one guard to the next.

[@lockedinreason]

That was heart warming and heart breaking. As an ex 20 army veteran I understand a bit of what those guys are going through although I never had to experience the extraodinary intensity of their war. Without my cats over the years I'm not sure where I would be today. What they said in the video is so true; cats don't talk back (well, maybe a little bit lol), they are not judgemental and they are insanely loyal in their own way. I really like dogs too but at heart I'm a cat person ❤❤❤ 💙💛 love from 🦘🦘🦘

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Mrs. Inky understands...

[@AntonellaDeMartini-bn2qi]

Salve si qualunque animale! Ma il " conforto " lo avrei solo da un cane! I Catti sono dei rompiscatole!! Fidati! Ne ho 19 ,ex randagi! E solo 4 cani ex randagi! FAREI volentieri il cambio! 19 cani, e 4 gatti! Che paradiso!!!😂

[@scottfw7169]

@@AntonellaDeMartini-bn2qi Even so, is seems that you are the right person to care for them, or else they would not be with you. May both you and them be blessed.

[@jackalx2154]

"... Unlike humans, they are not treacherous and incapable of betrayal..."

[@zenithproject817]

Its crazy how they tell the animals its okay not to be scared when they really are telling themselves that deep inside 😢❤

[@wacojones8062]

There was a Horse used by the Marines in Korea called Sergeant Reckless who carried ammunition to 75mm recoilless rifle positions by herself. She was brought to the US with the unit. There is a book about her. The phycological effects of helping to care for animals and their company cannot be overrated.

[@Cacowninja]

I heard of a bear that did a similar thing.

[@scallie6462]

There were officers who tried to say she couldn't board their ship to leave and the entire unit refused to leave without her, she was brought to the US and her offspring are still taken care of and it's a privilege to have that duty.

[@peasinourthyme5722]

Never heard of her, thank you for bringing her to my attention!

[@peasinourthyme5722]

@@Cacowninja Yes, Wojtek was his name.

[@chickensalad3535]

@@scallie6462The bond between human and animal can be unbreakable.

[@alexandrasmith7682]

Animals talk directly to the heart and soul ...... So many of those soldiers will desperately need that. Bless all of them.

[@maxborde210]

Cats, they are lovely creatures. Thanks to the soldiers, who take care of the cats & each other!

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@joshispro345]

@@RynaxAlien forcing carnivores to eat plants is horrible

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@joshispro345 Except Cat Nip of course...

[@JetFalcon710]

@@RynaxAlien No

[@pamc9226]

Cats are a comfort and goodness knows these soldiers deserve comfort

[@cameron5802]

Oh sweet Dusia. You're doing a blessing of a job.

[@zoecoote3746]

She is so beautiful.

[@jerushamaxwell281]

And how cute is little Matvii, with his arms stuck out sideways while being held by his soldier friend?

[@carsonm7292]

It's very reminiscent of ship's cats, a long naval tradition of keeping a cat on board as a mascot and a mouser. It used to be a really important position on the "crew" to keep mice out of food on old sailing ships, and the sailors could watch for when the cat's mood changed with the drop in air pressure that preceded a storm. And, of course, it was great for morale as a bonus. There are even famous ship's cats up to the first and second world wars. I hate for all these little critters to get caught up in this mess, but I'm glad they are able to comfort these brave soldiers.

[@lukaszmigacz5525]

That’s a great topic for PHD research - influence of trench cats on soldiers mental health

[@respectthefish4992]

exactly what I'm thinking

[@prapanthebachelorette6803]

I agree

[@squirrelsinjacket1804]

Pets typically have a positive effect on mental health, even in regular civilian life. I believe there's already been studies that correlate that.

[@damien678]

I'm not a soldier, but I am diagnosed with CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) and my cats have made me far more functional than I was before. They like going on leashes outside, and if I'm able to take one with me in a cat bag, I'm far more comfortable wherever I go.

[@fadcdecarvalho8741]

Animals have special healing powers.

[@intothemystic3374]

I read that a cats purring can heal broken bones. Not sure if it's their own bones or that of humans. Either way, having a purring cat in your lap is comforting beyond measure.

[@zoecoote3746]

I worked as a vet nurse in my states biggest clinic. Cats only seemed to get a handful of illnesses vs dogs that had a far higher incidence of various cancers and different ailments akin to human ailments. I wondered if it was due to purring. Look it up it’s fascinating.

[@ghostphantom8453]

​@@zoecoote3746I think it might be due to dogs having been interbreed alot actually

[@The_Venerate]

​@@ghostphantom8453the "mutt" type breeds are quite hale and hearty; it's the "pure breeds" that suffer the most, as desired genetic traits are preserved along with the genetic medical conditions. Cats do have a number of natural resiliences, though, that make them very tough

[@akeleven]

People with pets are my kind of people

[@samueltrusik3251]

A kitty snuggle a day keeps the demons away.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

I was on a disaster with my search dog team and we had many soldiers there assisting, some were combat veterans and the incident was obviously traumatizing to many of them, causing their PTSD from war to come to the surface, in our down time they gravitated right to our dogs who were better than any psychologist for them.

[@PORRRIDGE_GUN]

Dogs and cats are known to reduce stress and help people with trauma.

[@RynaxAlien]

Feed pets only vegan

[@masonadams4648]

@@RynaxAlien cring

[@Lord_RFAS]

@@RynaxAlien ?! You know cats and dogs are primary carnivores, right, gopnik?

[@markvangorkum8091]

@@RynaxAlien Don't torture animals to death via protein deficiency.

[@Dius765RS]

2:58 - Behemoth Cat wins the awesome name award lol ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@petrokvartsianyi218]

Behemoth means Hippo in Ukrainian :)

[@margraveofgadsden8997]

I thought it was a reference to “The Master and Margarita,” a famous satire novel by Mikhail Bulgakov. There’s a talking cat named Behemoth that is one of the highlights of the story.

[@janemiettinen5176]

As an orange cat’s mom, I think calling the bunker cat Terminator is almost too fitting. Mine is called Onni (Finnish for bliss, happiness, luck), but I refer him as mayhem melon or indoor tornado. For obvious reasons, orange cat parents know.

[@teresahiggs4896]

@@janemiettinen5176I have a one toothed orange tomcat named “ Jack” short for “ Jackalope” because he’s such a strange and unique creature! Bless him, he does try to catch the bugs and ocassional mouse that gets in the house, but the best he can do wirh just one tooth, is slobber on the, a little! He lost his teeth , I was told when I adopted him, from chewing on things he shouldnt chew on.

[@88Tetsuko]

He's gorgeous!!❤❤❤

[@amberwright6918]

Thunder Company? Holy crap, she's a Thunder Cat!!

[@misguidedangel6550]

Wuts a thunder car?

[@ImmuneToTrollHate]

There is no better medicine for mental health than the unconditional love of an animal I'm more of a dog person myself, but can appreciate an affectionate cat

[@Hallonyancat]

I wish I could have a cat where I live, nothing is better than coming home to someone who loves you unconditionally

[@stpstudios]

✌😺👍 🖤

[@gregwatkins2525]

The battle cat Blends in to his camouflage quite well providing emotional support for their brothers and sisters is priceless

[@Canthus13]

Cats and dogs make the best morale officers.

[@Sad_bumper_sticker.]

Poland remembers about and supports Ukraine as strongly as ever.

[@katk3439]

Как хочется, что бы война закончилась. И все эти ребята защитники и их животные вернулись домой целыми и невредимыми.

[@scottfw7169]

I hear ya. So many people around the world want that for the people and the animals.

[@cuddlycholla3438]

💙💛💪

[@RockandRollWoman]

🙏🙏🙏😽

[@dustyking8851]

These guys are great. They've been adopting cats & dogs all over the lines. ❤❤❤❤🇺🇦💕

[@Sashko_Dee]

@2:57 The guy is saying that the cat's name is "бегемот" (begemot) )which is the Ukrainian word for hippo and sounds almost exactly like "behemoth". The really trippy part is that etymologically speaking that is exactly where the Ukrainian word for hippo came from.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

Why is it using Russian orthography? Should Ukrainian Begemot be spelt беґемот? Or am I not understanding correctly?

[@EugeneYunak]

@@moritamikamikara3879 the ґ is very rare, and the correct spelling in this word doesn’t use it. essentially it is spelled the same in russian and ukrainian, but sounds differently - the ukrainian g is much softer, closer to h. very few words use the harsh G sound represented by ґ.

[@th5160]

My grandfather was in ww2 and stationed in Burma. I've heard stories that their unit had a pet tiger. Unfortunately he died of smokers lung before I could talk to him and he didn't talk about the war very much. Don't smoke, my family has had multiple casualties from it.

[@craigbenz4835]

How did the tiger die of smokers lung?

[@lothalan7049]

@@craigbenz4835 passive smoking

[@luu2532]

@@craigbenz4835 Not the tiger, they were talking about their grandfather

[@craigbenz4835]

@@luu2532 Oh. OK. Thankyou.🙄

[@3rdandlong]

I am a kitty owner as well-one with Diabetes. My cat keeps me sane. We need each other. Sad that a defensless critter has to live in this circumstance of war. It should not have to be this way.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Magnificent animals and a wonderful people. You can see by the way (and the places) they allow themselves to be petted that they have absolute trust in their people. Makes perfect sense to me too that talking to cats helps soldiers open up - here in Aotearoa/ New Zealand there was a successful reading recovery programme where children read to dogs. Apparently the reason it was so successful is that because animals are non judgemental it gave the children confidence to read aloud. I would imagine its much the same for people.

[@Sashazur]

There’s also a program in the US where kids read to shelter cats - it helps the cats get used to people so they can have a better chance of being adopted, and it helps the kids gain confidence with reading.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

@@Sashazur Oh, that's brilliant too! 😊

[@donzajane]

Such a refreshing documentary. Its easy to forget that animals are effected and also are a positive support for the teams of soldier's.

[@miriamweller812]

I love the part where the show them having put their Nazi emblems not only on themselves but the pets, too. Adolf loved dogs, too.

[@babecat2000]

​@@miriamweller812Russian clown

[@jasonscottjenkins]

I saw a video in the early days of the invasion where a soldier was trying to coax a cat named Moorchik out of danger as bullets were flying around. It did make to shelter but acted like nothing bad was happening. I wonder what happened to him

[@suminshizzles6951]

Roman was right when he said a cat is worth more than any living russian. I feel bad for all the wild life in this war. Millions of brids and otehr living things are dying for one single lunatic.

[@KarynaCh]

and 140 million lunatics happily joining in his delusions of grandeur. he couldn't have done it without them. what a lucky faux tsar.

[@Anastasia-nn5fy]

Wow. You understood this war * sarcasm*

[@viktorias63]

That's not right, there is no single lunatic, there is a whole nation that's full of lunatics. Russians made Putin.

[@watchervideo6205]

Mosquitos worth more than russians

[@jorr1334]

This is heartbreaking. After the war I hope they find internal peace. Perhaps working with animals will halp.

[@annehersey9895]

Caring for an animal keeps the soldiers human and helps their mental health. Animals love without judgement and love unconditionally!

[@1chumley1]

I am a veteran and my cat is always there to show me how to live in the moment.

[@thefunpolice]

Animals offer great emotional support in a crisis. It's great seeing these cats generously giving their time in order to snuggle Ukrainian troops.

[@TAKBOI-ye3fm]

@@thefunpolice yep even that and there all Volunteers even got the fur squad

[@aemiliacarolphonetube9749]

Glad that those poor soldiers have beautiful cats.

[@timh6845]

These animals allow soldiers to find empathy again.

[@antonygoedhals6272]

Such a sad and beautiful thing these battle cats. How we treat the weak and scared is measure of our humanity. These men and their animals fill me with hope.

[@jillianstolling2602]

I don't cry often but this was so heart warming I couldn't stop cry. The fact that they are willing to do so much to save these animals speaks measures to their kindness, even in the harshest of climates. They prove over and over again why we much never wavier in our support for Ukrainian independence. I pray this ends soon, not just for the people but for every man and animal there.

[@rhondabailey9238]

Beautiful hearts...the people and their pets. I'd rather be in pain with Ukraine than to be like the heartless people who don't care. Slava Ukraine * HEROYAM SLAVA❣🖤💙💛

[@dhanu_4539]

The russians have kitties too.

[@jorr1334]

​@@dhanu_4539 so what? Ukraine did not go to them.

[@dhanu_4539]

@@jorr1334 but the cats did. They are working just as hard catching mice for the russian soldiers.

[@Zyzyx442]

@@dhanu_4539 LMAO

[@Roger-go6jc]

Beautifully spoken. You put into words what I feel so deeply about. Heroyam Slava.

[@Momcat_maggiefelinefan]

A purring cat can ease the soul of a stressed out military man and any other cat lover. It’s been scientifically documented numerous times. Purring cats have been proven to speed up the healing of broken bones too. These Ukrainian soldiers will definitely benefit from their furry companion! They should keep her as an indoor only kitty. She’ll be safer, healthier, and won’t get lost anymore. Great for humans and kitty both! Greetings from Canada! 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦

[@robinbeers6689]

Petting an animal also lowers blood pressure in humans.

[@RTC1655]

Look at that wall poster, US. You can't let Ukraine down now.

[@crystalheart9]

Bless the soldiers and the sweet cats. I hope they comfort each other.🥰😍

[@StormSongs7]

For the Hell those kitties lived in, they know they’re safe & loved now.

[@TAKBOI-ye3fm]

What a lovley animal the cats eat mice and are fluffy cool mix Glory to AFU Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@enema6222]

Cats and dogs are nice around here, they let you forget some stress and problems of the war. But sadly two of the cats here are incredibly incompetent at catchibg mice and prefer to hunt dragoon flys.

[@brendaraudebaugh6246]

They're reasons soldiers connect with animals. Just like he said, he'd trust an animal before people.

[@mussydesign7933]

Animals are the best cure for PTSD 🙏❤

[@deniseabbott5114]

That’s yet another reason why Ukrainians are very special people . No one rated Ukraines prowess in battle with the invaders the Orcs . Very early in the war in the North , where they came over from Belarus, the Ukrainian army pushed them out pretty quickly, as the Orcs retreated they left a beautiful German Shepard Military Dog, the Ukrainians immediately fell in love with him , they taught him Ukrainian and he was officially a Ukrainian military dog , these dogs are highly trained, most military and K9s become extremely attached to there handlers , and the handlers to there dogs, they don’t just see a dog, it’s a fellow officer. For a handler to loose its K9 would be devastating, it seems not so in the Russian army, I’m glad that he’s now looked after and loved by his new handler, who I’m sure will care far more than its previous owners. As it was pointed out in this post, they don’t leave anyone behind, be it there injured and fallen to there animals , where they even went a hundred miles on a mission to find their cat . It’s not only cats and dogs, but many animals help with emotional trauma healing , a reason we now have therapy animals , they reduce stress, blood pressure, we in response make endorphins which also help greatly . I thank these amazing soldiers who are the bravest people and the kindest , the total opposite of the invaders . Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🌻🙏🕊️🇬🇧🌹

[@miriamweller812]

Always funny to see you Nazis openly use Nazi language, while trying to not look like monsters and the heroes instead. Hell, they even showed Nazi emblems on the Ukrainains AND the pets here again.

[@AntonellaDeMartini-bn2qi]

Onore e gloria X gli ukraini!! ❤

[@chickensalad3535]

Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@Mauther]

Every time I deployed to Iraq, we had a base pet: either a cat or a dog. Upper command didn't like it, but it was cheapest and most effective way to improve morale. Never brought them into combat or on patrols. But it was a ay to show affection and receive affection that wasn't available anywhere else. We had one dude we all thought was borderline, but we'd find him sometimes back in his rack cuddled up with Manx baby talking while scratching behind her ears.

[@icyphoenix3]

This is so heartwarming and probably the most wholesome video I've recently seen relating to the war in Ukraine.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Any man who loves cats can't be all bad. Sending out a patrol to find missing pets blows my mind.

[@a_lot5163]

Very reminiscent of ww1 trench warfare...the parallels are terrible knowing the cost of that war.

[@donfluso9042]

thanks for the report, I love cats more than anything else 😽

[@oneworld9071]

Gorgeous cat!!!!!!! The majority of people grossly underestimate not just the intelligence of cats, but also their capacity for love and emotional exchange with us. The key is, dumb as it sounds, talking to them as much as possible. Some may call it nothing more than response to a word or tone of voice, but they build a vocabulary. One other indicator of intelligence is their ability to know their individual identity; my feral-born brothers were Sammy and Nero and they absolutely understood their own as well as their sibling's name. The bond between them and me was pretty clear; they fired a shot across the bow at people with a hiss...... I always had to assure people "that is NOT about YOU!!!!; they're informing you that THEY own ME!!!!!" which was too true.

[@arjovenzia]

My cat came to me as a stringy worm ridden kitten, kinda just moved in, a stray who needed help. She's getting old n fat now. Mission accomplished. No better healing lullaby than a gently purring cat.

[@lockedinreason]

Dusia is absolutely beautiful! Both in looks and her manner 🥰

[@FrecherLuchs]

Dusia, Behemoth ❤😊 Slawa Ukrajini 🇩🇪 🤝🇺🇦

[@SandraNelson063]

These soldiers UNDERSTAND. Animals are FAMILY.

[@Heyiya-if]

BATTLE CAT!! ❤ battling peacefully as only an animal can.

[@peggylee6086]

These soldiers are beyond kind . They and their cats are a wonderful example of the best of humans.

[@evilfingers4302]

I'm lovin the AFU's cutest furry 4 legged soldiers to bring solace to the Heroes of Ukraine 👍

[@ChelseaChfy-ex1po]

I’m sure this battle cat will help them win in no time

[@slicklandy7819]

@@ChelseaChfy-ex1po seems then russia needed cats when they ran away from Kyiv

[@slicklandy7819]

@@GoodGuyDevin "taken'?? Russia had it surrounded 2 years ago. Did they not take it then? did they run away? OMG

[@REV-1]

@@slicklandy7819Dude these guys are losing.

[@slicklandy7819]

@@REV-1 russia is losing???? how, Russia have 200 000 foreigners they got to fight for them as well. Okay most thought they would be security behind the lines, but still....

[@conephompany]

great video start to finish. an unexpected level of quality of content and production.

[@LearningSpanishwithDrL]

Peace to Ukraine!

[@dm5129]

People just don't understand that can happen anywhere and they don't want to help the Ukraine. Shameful....

[@unfingbelievable1]

Thanks for this video. Like their non-human friends, these soldiers are an inspiration to the rest of us

[@matthewsutphin7508]

❤I love how Dailey Mail delivers. Slava Ukraine. Hold strong. We will survive this.

[@syd2123]

Charlie's an angel! He's done so much and risked his own life to help these poor animals. Thank you Charlie! 👏

[@guyh.4553]

Dusia is 100% necessary for these troops. She helps them escape from some of the PTSD. ALL of the cats & dogs are necessary for these warriors. This is why I have 2 cats. Well done Ukraine soldiers! ❤❤❤

[@johnbrown-rm8kc]

awesome !!! Greetings from Australia 🤩

[@catladynikki2024]

I hear Australia hate cats outside . Australia shot cats few years ago. Is it true? Your president order to shot all cats outside. Please stop harms cats outside.

[@scottyoung1489]

The human primate animal usually causes so much pain & suffering for non-human animals, it’s great to see some genuine love, gentleness & kindness.

[@dustintacohands1107]

Nature itself is on your side Ukraine don’t give up you’re in the right defending yourselves and YOUR land

[@BestOpinionHaver]

Beautiful story. Really pulls at the heart strings and puts mist in your eyes.

[@soupisgood44]

Glory to our heroes . Goodness will always prevail 💙💛

[@PeterCarley-ri5tk]

She wasn't missing . She is a Cat. She knows where she is at all times.

[@trulyinfamous]

Even when they don't, they sure act like they do!

[@mikewlazlinski4309]

Tell that to the guys who own the cat.

[@KristinaUSA-x5n]

Bucha is the Rottweiler that went missing.

[@zoecoote3746]

Some domestic cats have lost this instinct, it’s sad.

[@philipjamesparsons]

A former work colleague was involved in the wars in Yugoslavia. He told me that he got hardened to seeing dead people on both sides. Even civilian deaths stopped bothering him. But, seeing dead and traumatised animals that in no way caused the war really brought home the folly of it all. They could never understand why their world had been turned upside down.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

This deserves so many more views. As much as we joke about how many "cute animal" videos populate the internet, this one is quite meaningful.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Dusia’s camo matches the soldiers very well.

[@mariondeason1032]

❤, may you be blessed 🙏, from South Africa

[@steven03048]

I hope these little cuties will not get hurt (further) in this pointless war. (And I mean pointless from the Russian side, the fight to protect your home and family is not pintless of course!)

[@Hallonyancat]

Nothing is better than having a buddy

[@heather-cz8yk]

Thank you for this positive story about war. I didn't know Ukraine loves animals so much...like Turkey. Thank you to this reporter, Richard Pendlebury. Of course, Brits love cats too, right Larry?

[@lunkis3233]

Animals heal our soul, calming us down and get unconditional love.

[@kjererrrt2381]

now the western and uke media are focusing on the emotional aspect of their lousy propaganda 😀😀😀😀 since teh facts are not in favor of uaf

[@kiwihame]

Ukrainians have a special bond with pets. Just one more reason to passionately support Ukraine! 🇳🇿💙💛🇺🇦

[@GIBKEL]

Sweet battlefront stories of cats. We are the beasts.

[@guynorth3277]

Actually I was living off the grid and the nearest two-track was 1000' feet away, and my cat would always notify me someone was coming in, giving me an extra minute or so. This was a great video thanks to those putting it together.

[@LoveOurEarth]

A sparkle of brightness….thank you for sharing this comforting story! ✨💕🐈

[@Chuck-PK]

My gosh, she's the spitting image of my very own beloved kitty Tiger-Lily!

[@whereammy]

Finally, some real journalism.