Russia has arranged an exhibition of Western military equipment seized in Ukraine, with the presentation set to run for a month during its Victory Day celebrations. The display includes a diverse collection of vehicles from 12 countries, exemplifying the spoils of the ongoing conflict.
Victory Park, an open-air museum in Moscow that commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany, will serve as the backdrop for this provocative showcase. In recent times, the park has been repositioned to also honor Russia’s current military engagements, framing its actions in Ukraine as victories over “Ukrainian militants and their Western supporters.”
Among the equipment are German Leopard 2 tanks, American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, a Swedish CV90 fighting vehicle, and a French AMX-10 mini tank. British contributions are represented by a Mastiff and Husky armoured vehicles, adorned with the Union Jack and NATO flag.
Unverified footage from Russian sources claims to reveal an American-made Abrams tank, recently captured near Avdiivka, being transported to Moscow. This Abrams, if indeed the one referred to in pro-Kremlin sources, was allegedly taken following a battle near the village of Berdychi. The Telegraph could not confirm whether the showcased equipment was newly captured or part of previous exhibitions.
Ukrainian forces reportedly withdrew a fleet of Abrams tanks from the frontline after several confirmed losses. Contrary to U.S. official statements, Ukraine’s 47th Brigade, which operated the American tanks, disputed these claims. Nonetheless, Russian state media has broadcast images of an Abrams, heavily damaged and towed away for display.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the exhibit would also feature combat documents, maps, ideological literature, and small arms from foreign militaries. A correspondent from the Zvezda Russian military channel commented on the condition of a captured German-made Marder fighting vehicle, noting minor dents likely from drone impacts.
While Russia publicizes its trophies, Ukraine has a history of presenting destroyed Russian tanks in central Kyiv, though it often repurposes captured vehicles for use on the battlefield rather than for exhibitions.
This event follows a similar one last year at Patriot Park near Moscow, where Russia displayed an array of Western military equipment, believed to have been lost by Ukraine during its summer counter-offensive. American-made M113 armoured personnel carriers were among the items on display.
Russian media extols the capture and exhibition of these vehicles as evidence of battlefield success and the supremacy of Russian military prowess over Western-supplied armaments. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has asserted that these showcases refute the idea that Western weapons are superior, emphasizing the continuous Russian advances along the frontline.
The display, which also includes examples of military hardware from nations such as Turkey, Czechoslovakia, South Africa, and Australia, presents a powerful image of Russian military might. It reflects not only a physical capturing of equipment but also an attempt to assert a psychological edge in the ongoing conflict.
Experts from King’s College London have indicated that the national flags adorned on these vehicles were likely not present during combat and were probably added by the Russians for exhibition purposes, adding a layer of propaganda to the display.
Relevant articles:
– Russia to show off captured Western vehicles during Victory Day celebrations, The Telegraph, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:49:00 GMT
– Russia display captured Western combat vehicles during the 9 May parade in Moscow, Army Recognition, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:13:52 GMT
– Russia ‘Seizes’ Abrams Tank For The Very 1st Time; To Display US MBT As War Trophy At Moscow Exhibition, EurAsian Times, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:11:48 GMT
– Putin humiliated as key feature of military parade revealed to be fake, Express, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:09:00 GMT