The National Museum-Reserve of Ukrainian Military Achievements has recently kept two unique exhibits — a Russian trophy T-62 tank and a helicopter, which was one of the first to be shot down on February 24, 2022, in Kyiv region. They are not only evidence of events but also a symbol of the dedication and stability of the Ukrainian people in the struggle for their freedom and independence.
We decided to digitize these war artifacts to record the evidence of the effective work of the Armed Forces – destroyed Russian equipment. Digitized exhibits will become an important part of our cultural heritage, reminding us of the Ukrainian military’s feats and the people’s heroism during the war.
More about exhibits
Trophy Russian tank
It is no secret for any of us that Russians are massively losing equipment in the battles for Ukraine. So this case is not an exception. In 2022, during the liberation of Kherson, our military captured a T-62 tank used by the Russian army. This is one of the most durable tanks: Russia adopted it in the 60s. It has great power, maneuverability, and well-balanced armor. In the summer of 2022, the Russians removed about 800 such tanks from storage, modernized them, and sent them to war against Ukraine.
The first downed helicopter
Our military is doing everything possible not only on the ground but also in the sky. This Mi-35M helicopter was one of the first to be shot down near Mezhhirya National Park and was later recovered from the Kyiv Reservoir. On the first day of the invasion, approximately 40 helicopters were sent to the Gostomel airfield for landing. The Mi-35M is designed for a variety of missions, including destroying armored vehicles, providing fire support, evacuating the wounded, and transporting cargo. The helicopter can be armed with anti-tank and unguided missiles and cannon weapons.
Why is it important to keep trophy equipment in museums?
This may be one of the first wars to be documented in detail. Russia still hides and keeps classified World War II archives. Knowing the tendency of the authorities of the terrorist country to distort facts and history, we must carefully document the course of the Russian-Ukrainian war and preserve evidence of the illegal acts of the occupiers. Also, trophy exhibits can act as monuments to war victims. They remind us of the price of peace and serve as a memorial symbol of those who gave their lives for freedom and independence. The project was created with the assistance of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.
