The Russian armed forces launched an exhibition at Moscow’s Poklonnaya Hill on Wednesday, May 1, displaying Ukrainian and its allies’ tanks and military equipment seized by Russian troops on the front lines, Russian media reported.
People gathered at the entrance to an exhibition entitled “Trophies of the Russian Army,” which was being held outside a museum dedicated to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The Russian military claimed the exhibition showed that European and US aid would not prevent Moscow from winning the war.
The exhibition presented 31 types of European and other “trophy” vehicles seized by Russian troops. Beside the Ukrainian equipment, the military also displayed vehicles from countries, such as the USA, Germany, the UK and other Kyiv’s allies, on Poklonnaya Hill.
The German-made Leopard 2A6 tank and Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the US-made M1A1 Abrams tank and M2 Bradley IFV stood out among the vehicles demonstrated.
The exhibition will reportedly take place from May 1 to June 1, 2024.
The Russian Defence Ministry also presented equipment received by Ukraine from countries, such as France, Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, South Africa, Turkey, and Australia.
The Ministry of Defence also placed an ironic announcement addressed to employees of foreign embassies. The announcement reads: “Employees of the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Poland are granted access to inspect trophy equipment of NATO countries OUT OF TURN.”
The Moscow exhibition came days after the US approved a $61-billion aid package to Kyiv and after Russia made some military gains in eastern Ukraine. Moscow’s gains take place amid statements by Kyiv about shortages of ammunition and manpower.
