Russian trainee mishandles rocket launcher, fires at his own feet in training video

A video circulating online captures a Russian military trainee fumbling with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher during a practice session. The soldier could not balance the weapon on his shoulder, causing it to slide forward and fire a rocket that hit the ground only a few inches from his boots. The round did not detonate, instead burrowing into the soil and throwing up a cloud of dust.

Immediately after the shot, the trainee and the person filming fled the area, worried about the still-smoking missile, which is designed to explode only after traveling a set distance. Voices off-camera can be heard berating the rookie with Russian profanity while he awkwardly readjusts his helmet. No details were provided about when or where the drill took place, and the incident adds to a series of viral clips showing Russian novices making dangerous mistakes since the conflict with Ukraine began.