A recent video circulating online shows a Russian soldier testing an unconventional method to safeguard against landmines by attaching an empty 5-liter plastic bottle to his boot.
Believe in Kevlar and Plastic
According to Tech the soldier, like others who have tried similar tactics, hoped that this makeshift solution would somehow absorb the impact of an anti-personnel mine. However, the results were as disastrous as expected.
The idea behind this improvised defense is rooted in the belief, shared among some Russian troops, that everyday items like sneakers, Kevlar inserts, or even plastic bottles can offer protection against the deadly power of landmines.
But the test revealed the harsh reality—when the mine exploded, the plastic bottle provided no protection whatsoever. The explosion would likely cause the soldier to lose a limb, with the added danger of plastic fragments turning into additional shrapnel.
Russian Soldiers Missing Equipment
This desperate measure show the extreme conditions Russian soldiers face, often lacking adequate protective gear. The use of such makeshift solutions is inspired by the creativity born out of necessity.
The soldier's experiment is a clear indication of the severe limitations and risks faced by infantrymen who are trying to survive with minimal resources.
In contrast, modern military technology offers much more reliable protection. Armored vehicles, for example, are designed with V-shaped hulls that deflect the blast energy away from the vehicle, significantly increasing the chances of survival for those inside.
Unfortunately, for individual soldiers, such advanced protection is not an option. They must rely on traditional methods like metal detectors, probing the ground with knives, and specialized demining equipment.
