Soldiers of Soviet Army, worn this hats under helmet. An ushanka (Literally "ear hat")
is a Russian fur cap with ear flaps, that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, or tied at the chin to protect the ears, jaw and lower chin from the cold.
The thick dense fur also offers some protection against blunt impacts to the head.
While no match for a helmet, it offers protection far superior to that of a typical beanie cap should the wearer fall and hit his or her head against ice or packed snow.
The word Ushanka derives from ushi (у́ши), "ears" in Russian.