Russian Troops Use “Goat” Tactic: Disguising Soldiers as Civilians Near Pokrovsk — 7th Airborne Forces Corps

A journalist from the German media outlet Bild has published video footage showing groups of Russian soldiers in civilian clothing moving in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region.

The video captures Russian troops wearing black sportswear and sneakers, with no military insignia, Bild reporter Julian Röpcke posted on X.

The 7th Airborne Forces Corps shared with Militarnyi that Russian troops are increasingly disguising themselves as civilians to avoid being targeted by Ukrainian drones and artillery.

“Recently, information has surfaced that the enemy has started using female soldiers. These women dress as civilians and pose as local residents, carrying ammunition and batteries for radios in ordinary bags or plastic sacks. In intercepted communications, Russians refer to such operations as ‘letting go of the goat,’” the corps’ press service shared.

The military added that such cases are being recorded systematically, particularly near Klishchiivka and Chasiv Yar, where fighting remains intense.

The footage also shows precision strikes against Russian armored vehicles and positions, demonstrating the effectiveness of reconnaissance operators from the 7th Air Assault Corps.

Despite these disguises, Ukrainian units continue to detect and destroy Russian groups using FPV drones and reconnaissance systems.

“All documented instances of such violations are being passed on to international bodies as evidence of yet another Russian war crime,” the corps said.

Analysts note that the use of civilian clothing reflects low morale and shortages of proper equipment among Russian units.

According to Ukrainian forces, Russia began using this tactic after suffering significant equipment losses in open terrain.

The 7th Airborne Forces Corps also reports that similar cases of disguising as civilians have been recorded in other areas of the front, including near Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Ukrainian officials recently reported that Russian forces are attempting to push deeper toward Pokrovsk, according to the 7th Airborne Forces Corps.