Following a successful exhibition in Moscow, Russia is expanding its display of NATO weapons seized by Russian forces in Ukraine. The exhibition, showcasing equipment seized in the Avdiivka and Donetsk regions, will open in Kurgan on July 22.

“The exposition of weapons of NATO countries, captured by the Center group during a special military operation in the Avdiivka and Donetsk directions, is preparing to move. The last day of work in the city of Chelyabinsk is July 20, and on July 22, the exposition will continue to work in Kurgan,” stated an official announcement.

The exhibition has been held in Chelyabinsk, a city in west-central Russia, since July 8. It features 14 units of equipment from the United States, Britain, Turkey, and other NATO countries. 

Key exhibits include the Abrams tank, M113 armored personnel carrier, Kozak armored personnel carrier, Kirpi armored vehicle, Marder infantry fighting vehicle, Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, Mastiff armored car, and Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicle.  

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Vladimir Yakushev, acting secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party and the President’s plenipotentiary in the Ural Federal District, emphasized the exhibition’s role in honoring Russian fighters. 

“Near each knocked-out vehicle, there is information on who and under what circumstances was able to destroy enemy equipment. Our goal is for as many people as possible to know about the heroic deeds of our guys,” Yakushev said.

The first large-scale exhibition of captured NATO equipment was launched in May, showcasing over 30 military vehicles seized from Ukraine. 

This open-air “trophy” display included an Abrams M101 battle tank, a formidable tank known for its capability to penetrate Soviet armor. However, it has faced criticism for its performance in the ongoing conflict.

The May exhibition garnered significant attention, including visits from notable figures such as Colonel Vittorio Parrella, the military attaché of the Italian Embassy in Russia, and various Western reporters. 

At the time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the exhibition’s popularity and suggested the possibility of extending it. “This is really an exhibition that enjoys both great interest and the support of our people,” Peskov said during a press briefing.

The upcoming exhibition in Kurgan aims to continue this trend, allowing more people to witness the captured NATO equipment and the stories behind their capture. 

The Russian Ministry of Defense, the exhibition’s organizer, is expected to provide further details as the opening date approaches.

The Significance Of ‘Trophy Exhibition’ for Russians 

The trophy exhibition showcasing captured weapons holds considerable significance for the Russian public, as emphasized by Russian media. This event serves to elevate national pride by allowing citizens to witness firsthand the achievements of their armed forces. 

It fosters a sense of involvement in the nation’s ongoing efforts, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Officials from the Russian Ministry of Defense have highlighted that such exhibitions have a long-standing tradition aimed at boosting morale.

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Historically, similar exhibitions have been organized, notably from June 22, 1943, to October 1, 1948, where the Soviet government displayed German weapons seized by the Red Army during the Great Patriotic War. 

That event took place in Moscow’s Gorky Park, where large military machinery and equipment were displayed outdoors while smaller and more delicate items were housed in covered pavilions. Over its duration, the exhibition attracted more than 7.5 million visitors.

Meanwhile, the exhibits of the Ukranian weapons are categorized into various thematic sections, each accompanied by informative displays. 

These provide insights into the items’ countries of origin, technical specifications, and the circumstances under which the Russian military captured them. Alongside military equipment, the exhibition features foreign firearms, maps, documents, and gear from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Among the key exhibits are the German Leopard 2 tank and the American Abrams tank. Other notable displays include the Leopard tank, the International MaxxPro Plus infantry fighting vehicle, the M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle from the United States, and Sweden’s CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. 

Russian Colonel Sergei Suvorov noted that the displayed items are functional, as they were abandoned by Ukrainian forces to avoid confrontation with Russian troops.

For instance, the British FV432 armored personnel carrier was handed over to the Russian army in good condition. However, the American Bradley and German Marder infantry fighting vehicles are presented without their protective elements, highlighting the varied circumstances of these captures.

Overall, the trophy exhibition serves as a powerful tool for reinforcing the narrative of military success and engagement in ongoing conflicts.

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