This footage, provided by a Russian soldier from an undisclosed unit, shows a first-person perspective of their van, commonly nicknamed a “Buhanka”, as it runs over and detonates a mine. This, in turn, flips the van. While the extent of their injuries is unknown, it definitely takes the other occupant a while to start moving, though both appear to survive.

The term “Buhanka” refers to the UAZ-452 family of light trucks and vans, which dates back to 1965. They’re commonly used for support jobs such as ammunition delivery. This is what happens when you want the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo, and the Commissar says “we have one at home.” While it’s also been called the Battle Bus, “Buhanka” literally means “loaf”. We’ve seen several burnt loaves in recent submissions, but this is to my knowledge the first time we’ve gotten a first-person look at one getting destroyed.

Ukrainian drone teams have developed a penchant for delivering anti-tank mines with their ground drones, and while we can’t definitively prove that this is one such present, the possibility certainly exists.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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