[imagesource: Twitter / @RALee85]

Today marks the 162nd day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

What was once a topic on the tip of everyone’s tongues has been somewhat relegated to an afterthought, at least for those who are not directly affected.

I notice the Ukraine flags are disappearing from Facebook profile pictures, too – always a solid indicator.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers and citizens continue to fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invading army, often with little to nothing at their disposal.

Hundreds of landmines have been left behind by retreating Russian soldiers, according to The Telegraph, “some of them hiding as booby-traps in homes, beaches and even left on human remains”.

This has led to novel approaches to detonation:

Usually, soldiers would use professional equipment including body armour and detectors to demine. But in its absence, Ukraine’s forces are getting creative.

Clips posted to social media sh

ow the soldiers using everyday objects to deactivate the explosives.

Bricks, sticks, and tyres – we’ve seen it all:

I would like to emphasises that “throw a brick on it” is not a recommended way to dispose of PFM-1 anti-personnel mines. pic.twitter.com/v3zvFGMN53

— Nick Waters (@N_Waters89) August 2, 2022

Another example. 2/https://t.co/Mak1T4aXeJ pic.twitter.com/0up4N6yTVs

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) July 31, 2022

Along with the above ‘boer maak ‘n plan’ approach to landmine detonation, there have also been more traditional means employed:

A pint-size Jack Russell terrier has been credited with detecting more than 200 explosives and preventing their detonation since the start of the war on Feb 24 and has become a canine symbol of Ukrainian patriotism.

Image: SES of Ukraine / Newsflash

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Ukraine’s famous mine sniffing dog Patron, or Bullet in English, and his owner with a medal in June to recognise their dedicated service.

The very, very good boy is given his favourite food, cheese, as well as belly rubs as a reward for his efforts.

Jack Russells are particularly adept at this task due to their strong sense of smell.

Putin is believed to own four dogs at present. I sincerely hope they chew his favourite slippers.

[source:tele]