Russia plans to exhibit military equipment that it claims to have destroyed or captured from NATO forces in a park near the embassies of the United States, Britain, France and Germany in Moscow, according to a report by Reuters.
The report cites a Russian defense ministry document that says the exhibition will include tanks, armored vehicles, drones, missiles and other weapons that were either damaged or seized by Russian troops during conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Ukraine.
The document says the exhibition is intended to “demonstrate the low combat and moral qualities of the personnel of the armed forces of foreign states” and to “instill patriotic feelings” in Russian citizens.
The report comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO over Ukraine, where Moscow has amassed tens of thousands of troops near its border and accused the Western alliance of provoking a war.
NATO has denied any plans to attack Russia and urged it to de-escalate the situation and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The exhibition is expected to open in May 2023 in the Park of Arts Muzeon, which is located near the Kremlin and across the river from the Gorky Park.
The park already hosts several statues of Soviet leaders and heroes, as well as monuments from the communist era that were removed from public spaces after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Reuters report says the exhibition will also feature a “hall of shame” that will display portraits of Western political and military leaders who are accused of committing crimes against humanity or violating international law.
The document does not name any specific individuals, but says they will include those who are “directly involved in unleashing wars of aggression” or who have “demonstrated Russophobia”.
The document also says the exhibition will be accompanied by a multimedia show that will recreate scenes of battles where Russian forces allegedly defeated NATO troops.
The show will use sound effects, lighting, smoke and holograms to create a “realistic picture of modern warfare”, according to the document.
The document says the exhibition will be open to the public for free and will be promoted through social media, billboards, flyers and TV ads.
It also says the exhibition will be visited by schoolchildren, students, veterans, military personnel and foreign guests.