Minister Reznikov about Russia’s plan to seize Kyiv: Tons of scrap metal instead of parade

The aggressor state was planning to seize Ukraine’s capital city in three days and hold a parade on Khreshchatyk Street. Instead, tons of scrap metal, which used to be Russian military equipment, are now displayed in downtown Kyiv.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Twitter, commenting on the exhibition of the destroyed Russian military equipment on Khreshchatyk Street, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Russia arrogantly invaded Ukraine. I saw for myself the ceremonial uniforms in their tanks. The aggressors dreamt of capturing Kyiv in 3 days. The occupiers intended to hold a parade in our capital. Ok, they’re here. Tons of scrap metal,” Reznikov wrote.

On Facebook, Reznikov noted that about 80 Russian military equipment units, which had been destroyed and delivered from different regions of Ukraine, were displayed on Khreshchatyk Street, namely T90, T80 and T72 tank modifications, self-propelled artillery systems, rocket artillery, armored vehicles, Pantsir-S1 missile system, TOS-1A Solntsepyok, Hosta self-propelled howitzer, etc.

In addition, the exhibition shows the S-300 missile fragments and MLRS projectiles used by Russian invaders against Kharkiv.

“Unfortunately, such fragments can be collected in many Ukrainian cities. Mykolaiv, Nikopol, many settlements in Donetsk Region, communities in Chernihiv Region and Sumy Region are continuously suffering from shelling,” Reznikov added.

According to Reznikov, this exhibition was arranged as instructed by the Ukrainian government. It is a joint project of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian Internal Affairs Ministry and military administrations.

“This exhibition is intended to clearly demonstrate, what an avalanche of iron, bringing death, was stopped by Ukrainians. To remind everyone that the war continues and our soldiers need support. We must keep unity and be ready to beat the enemy. The Defense Forces of Ukraine have already proven they can do this brilliantly,” Reznikov stressed.

In his words, over six months, the Ukrainian Army has eliminated about 45,000 Russian invaders and destroyed more than 10,000 heavy military vehicles and equipment units, including the Russian Navy’s cruiser Moskva.

“This ‘parade’ proves that Ukrainians have already done what no one believed in – they have stopped the army which used to be the ‘world’s second’. There are still many challenges and difficult battles ahead. Sadly, there are losses ahead. But, every day more and more people believe that Ukraine’s victory is inevitable,” Reznikov emphasized.

A reminder that the exhibition of the destroyed Russian military equipment is taking place on Khreshchatyk Street in Kyiv. 

mk