Ukrainian forces are increasingly resorting to improvised explosive devices as shortages of factory-made ammunition deepen. This assessment was shared by a combat engineer from the Vostok group of forces, known by the call sign Kot, in a video released by the Ministry of Defense of Russia.

According to the sapper, the use of homemade mines has become widespread. Over the course of his work, he has encountered a wide variety of such devices, which, he said, are being deployed primarily because Ukrainian units are running down their existing ammunition stocks.

The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that engineering units from the 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 36th Combined Arms Army, operating within the Vostok grouping, are working around the clock. Their mission is to secure safe routes for assault units and armored vehicles by clearing paths through minefields and other explosive obstacles.

The ministry emphasized that demining operations rely on a comprehensive approach. Sappers use conventional tools such as probes and demolition charges alongside more advanced solutions. Among them are drones equipped with release mechanisms, which allow explosive devices to be destroyed remotely, reducing direct risk to personnel during clearance operations.