Russian Military Gear on Display

The Ukrainian Armed Forces captured Russian military equipment and put it on display in Prague, the Czech Capital. The display of war trophies, which included a damaged T90 tank, Buk Air defense system, and Msta howitzer was unveiled at Letna plain, a large open area located a short distance from Prague Castle.

After launching the exhibit, Denys Monastyrsky, Ukraine's Minister for Internal Affairs, stated via email  that "This exhibition shows how vital support is from partner countries."

"Russian propaganda likes to scare people that their tanks could reach Prague, Berlin, or Paris. Ukrainians demonstrate - only in the form of scrap," he said.

The exhibition organized by his ministry also includes defused rockets, shells, and other weapons that have been falling on Ukrainian cities ever since the war against Russia began in February.

"With this exhibition, we hope to once again show the horrors that Russia's aggression brought to Ukraine," said Tetiana Okopna Ukrainian embassy spokesperson Tetiana to Czech Television.

She continued, "But we also want to show how Czech weapons can be used," adding that a similar exhibition was being launched at Warsaw and others were planned for Germany, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Alongside Mr. Monastyrsky, Vit Rakusan (his Czech counterpart) was also present. He was joined by the mayor of Prague Zdenek Hari and European Commissioner Ylva Johansson.

Ms. Johansson stated that "millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee Russia’s aggression." She spoke to the audience of spectators at the exhibition.

"I bow before the amazing solidarity Czechs have shown Ukrainian refugees. She added that the example of Europe is set by what you did not only in Prague, but all over the country.

The outgoing Ukrainian ambassador Yevhen Perebyinis played an important role in gaining support from Czech politicians and the general public for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Embassy joined forces with the Czech defense ministry in order to launch a crowd-funding campaign for Czech weapons to be purchased by the Ukrainian army. 

The Czech government has been a supporter of Ukraine since its inception.