The term 'Cope Cage' refers to improvised slat armor or metal grates welded onto the tops of tanks, which first gained international notoriety on Russian armored vehicles during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Intended to defend against top-attack munitions like Javelin missiles or drones, military analysts quickly pointed out their limited technical effectiveness. The internet sarcastically dubbed these structures 'cope cages,' implying they were built primarily for the psychological comfort of the crew rather than actual protection. The meme has since evolved into a versatile metaphor for any desperate, low-effort attempt to mitigate a disaster or to 'cope' with an inevitable failure, frequently appearing in military history and gaming circles.