In a gripping account, a soldier of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, known as Keks, recounts his experience of surviving a traumatic injury from a petal mine. Despite having his foot severed, he maintains a sense of humor and resilience, finding laughter in the midst of terrifying circumstances. As he crawled through the grass, his instinct to survive kicked in—he knew that remaining still would mean certain death from a potential drone strike, prompting him to keep moving despite his agony.

Keks recalls the surreal juxtaposition of pain and laughter; even as he faced horrendous injury, insistently driving himself forward, he reflects on how ridiculous his situation felt. 'What if there's another landmine?' he thought, finding it oddly amusing. This inner dialogue of fear underpinning his humor highlights the soldier's psychological fortitude and ability to cope with extreme stress, emphasizing the absurdity of war experiences that intertwine life and death.

The story of Keks is emblematic of the broader soldier experience amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, showcasing themes of bravery, resilience, and the mental challenges faced during warfare. His account serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the unpredictable nature of combat where humor can sometimes be the only refuge in dire situations. While his laughter may soon turn to pain, it ultimately underscores the strength needed to move forward in a landscape fraught with danger.