Russia displays captured Western military equipment as ‘war trophies’ at exhibition

Europe, News May 3, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Russian Defense Ministry arranged an exhibition in Moscow on May 1, 2024, showcasing Western tanks and military hardware seized by Russian forces in Ukraine. The ministry asserts that the exhibition has been arranged to send a message to the Western allies that their support would not prevent Russia’s victory in the conflict.

On the May Day public holiday, long lines of people gathered at the entrance to the exhibition titled “Trophies of the Russian Army.” The exhibition is situated adjacent to a museum commemorating the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945. The exhibition will run for a month. It features a collection of feature firearms, military documents, and other related items.

The ongoing exhibition showcases over 30 pieces of Western-made heavy equipment, including a U.S.-manufactured M1 Abrams battle tank and a Bradley armored fighting vehicle, as well as a Leopard 2 tank and a Marder armored infantry vehicle from Germany, and a French-produced AMX-10RC armored vehicle.

Russian authorities have condemned the provision of Western weaponry and military gear to Ukraine, portraying it as evidence of NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict. Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently stated that Western military aid to Kyiv would not alter the conflict’s trajectory or hinder Russia’s pursuit of its objectives.

Russia has recently made significant advances on the battlefield, primarily attributed to overwhelming numerical superiority and significant casualties. Both conflicting parties maintain secrecy regarding the exact figures of casualties, but it’s widely acknowledged that substantial losses have been incurred on both sides.

A U.S. made M1A1 Abrams tank hit and captured by Russian troops — *^{A U.S.-made M1A1 Abrams tank hit and captured by Russian troops during the fighting in Ukraine is seen on display in Moscow, on May 1, 2024. (Image Credit: AP/Alexander Zemlianichenko)}*

The exhibition in Moscow coincided with the approval of a $61 billion aid package for Kyiv by the U.S. These events have been followed by Russia’s recent incremental territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, occurring at a time when Kyiv’s military forces reported shortages in ammunition and manpower.

“History is repeating itself,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, adding that the Soviet Union had in 1943 also put on a display of captured tanks and hardware, in this case from the German army.

“Strength is in the truth. It’s always been that way. In 1943 and today. These war trophies reflect our strength. The more of them there are, the stronger we are,” the ministry stated, predicting a Russian victory in what it officially calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, suggested that foreign diplomats residing in Moscow should take the opportunity to visit the exhibition and witness firsthand how “the West destroys peace on the planet.”

“This exhibition will be interesting to all those who still believe in mythical ‘Western values’ or fail to notice an aggression unleashed by NATO against Russia and our people,” Zakharova said.