The Ukrainian ambassador has opened the Tank Museum’s new exhibition about the Russia-Ukraine war and concluded his speech by stating: We will win.
General Valeril Zaluzhnyi, a four-star general and former chief of staff of his country’s armed forces, also offered his uniform to the Dorset museum. He thanked those behind the exhibition and the British people for their ‘support, solidarity and true friendship.’
Called ‘Ukraine: Armoured Warfare in the Modern Word’, the exhibition includes tanks but also poignant possessions of refugees who fled their country after the invasion in 2022.
General Zaluzhnyi took the opportunity to mention the anniversary of the liberation of the ‘Hero City’ of Chernihiv. He said:
“The city became a symbol of resilience. It was surrounded, cut off from communication, lacking weapons – but full of faith in freedom. Chernihiv held out because it was defended by ordinary Ukrainians: volunteers, members of the territorial defence and soldiers. Armed not only with rifles but with unbreakable spirit."
“The same spirit is what this exhibition represents. Not technology for its own sake, but armour that became a shield to protect human life.”
Ukrainian ambassador General Valeril Zaluzhnyi looks around The Tank Museum's new exhibition
“Even the strongest armoured vehicles are losing their advantage in the face of new threats – drones, precision strikes and digital intelligence.”
He toured the exhibition and was moved to meet Ukrainian refugees, some of whose stories are told.
He said: “This exhibition is not only about machines. It is about people. About Ukrainian soldiers who fight not for new borders, but for the right to live in their own country. About British instructors who shared their knowledge. About families who became refugees, but never lot hope.”
Chris Price, museum director, said:
“It was a great privilege to have the Ukrainian ambassador open our new exhibition. After looking around the exhibits he met some Ukrainian refugees and was clearly moved. He also offered us his uniform which is extremely generous."
“In his speech he talked about the history of the tank and obviously has a deep understanding of armoured vehicles, but also the importance of new technologies.”
Tobias Ellwood, a former MP who served with Royal Green Jackets, said:
“The exhibition explains the horrors of conflict as it unfolds every day. That’s why it is so impressive.”
The museum is open from Friday 3rd April and is due to last for two years.
Top Photo: Ukrainian ambassador General Valerii Zaluzhnyi
About The Tank Museum
The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset brings the story of tanks and tank crews to life.
With over 300 tanks from 26 nations, The Tank Museum holds the finest and most historically significant collection of fighting armour in the world. These range from the world’s first ever tank, Little Willie, through to the British Army’s current Main Battle Tank, Challenger 2.
The Museum’s powerful exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history, where visitors come face to face with tanks and hear incredible true stories from the last century.
The Tank Museum is an independent Museum and registered Charity.
