An open-air exhibition in Moscow's Victory Park is showcasing Western military hardware captured by Russian forces in Ukraine, including a British Army Husky tactical support vehicle and an American Abrams tank. The display, which opened ahead of Victory Day celebrations, features damaged equipment donated to Ukraine by NATO allies.
Among the exhibits is a Husky vehicle with bullet holes in its windscreen, alongside German Leopard tanks. A sign above the German armour reads: 'History is repeating itself,' drawing a parallel between World War Two and the current conflict. Russian authorities aim to reinforce the narrative that the West is waging war on Russia, despite Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Visitors, including Natalya who attended with her family, expressed amazement at the trophies. 'It's incredible. Jaw-dropping,' she said. The exhibition seeks to boost public morale and confidence, as Russia claims to hold the initiative on the battlefield despite recent US aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine has previously displayed captured Russian equipment, but Moscow's exhibition serves multiple objectives: demonising the West, linking the war to World War Two, and gloating over perceived successes. A large sign at the site conveys Russia's main message, though its exact wording was not specified.
