War Trophy Exhibition in Moscow: Leopard 2 Tanks in Focus

In a striking war trophy exhibition titled 'History Repeats Itself. Our Victory is Inevitable,' Russia showcases Western military technology including a German Leopard-2 battle tank and a Marder infantry fighting vehicle, as a testament to its own success. Even before the exhibition officially opened, numerous Muscovites had gathered, visibly fascinated, in the heart of the capital to inspect the Western high-tech equipment, accompanied by armed soldiers. The military display coincides with Russia's May 9 holiday, commemorating the triumph over Nazi Germany, traditionally capped with magnificent parades and addresses, including that of President Putin. As a direct reference to its own offensive war against Ukraine, which was initiated on February 24, 2022, Kremlin chief Putin also interprets this initiative as a strike against the West and particularly against Germany. The transportation of the equipment to Russian soil, for which units are awarded that destroy or capture Western armaments, reveals Moscow's view of the military spoils as evidence of their strength. Meanwhile, Ukraine counters, arguing that the weapons supplied from the West are essential for defense against what they label as Russian terror. The Leopard-2 battle tank was reportedly captured during fighting in the Avdiivka region, and the Marder infantry fighting vehicle was also sourced from this area. With over 30 exhibits from countries such as Britain, the USA, France, and Australia, the exhibition maintains an unmistakable focus on demonstrating apparent superiority until the end of May, while Ukrainian displays in Kyiv concurrently showcase war material as a visible sign of resistance.