Russia appears to be using mine clearance tools to strike Ukraine

Footage released by Russia's defence ministry appears to show buildings in eastern Ukraine being targeted by Russian troops using equipment designed to clear minefields and protect life.

The UR-77 Meteorit, normally called into action when troops need to cross dangerous land, is shown in the Russian footage seemingly being misused to destroy buildings. 

The system is similar to the UK's Python, slinging a line charge (a rope rigged with high explosives) hundreds of metres ahead. When it lands flat and detonates, it wipes out any IEDs with it and clears a straight-line route for vehicles and troops.

• Explained: The new Type 31 frigates
• Truss: West must 'double down' support for Ukraine and supply tanks and warplanes
• 'When everything started, I did not have any deliberations or doubts': Ukrainian women fight for their country

If used correctly, civilians living in conflict zones can also benefit from safer routes outside of their homes.

However, the Russian footage from Rubizhne, Luhansk, appears to show a more concentrated blast radius, suggesting the clearance tool has been manipulated to destroy more localised targets, rather than just creating longer and thinner paths toward them.