“The Museum Front” Exhibition: Evidence of Russian War Crimes, Kyiv

On Oct. 12, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War in Kyiv presented its new project “The Museum Front.” It will be open to the public until Nov. 20. The unique art projects, namely the murals “Ukraine – the shield of Europe!” and “Save Azov” are featured on a wall and on the site of the museum complex.

As reported by the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, these art pieces are dedicated to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, traditionally marked on Oct. 14.

The mural “Ukraine – the shield of Europe!” adorns the wall of the exhibition hall of the museum, where the exhibition “Ukraine. Crucifixion” is currently taking place. It has become a visual reminder to visitors about the important mission Ukraine took upon itself by becoming the shield that protects Europe.

The mural “Save Azov” is dedicated to the soldiers of the Azov regiment, many of whom are still held in Russian captivity. It serves as yet another reminder of the tragedy of the Ukrainian people and of the genocide committed by Russia.

“I chose patriotic colors for this work: yellow-and-blue and red-and-black. The laconic caption on the mural is expected to draw attention to these events and to the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, which is hosting the exhibition “Ukraine. Crucifixion” explains the artist and author Anton Lohov.

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“The Museum Front” exhibition displays evidence collected by the Ukrainian military from as far back as April 2022, when the enemy was forced out from the outskirts of the capital.

The exhibition is subdivided into several thematic blocks:

– the first exhibits items of enemy clothing, shoes, household items, fragments of military equipment and weapons, documentary materials and samples of propaganda materials;

– the second displays photos and videos depicting episodes of invisible, but difficult and vital work of soldiers who record and preserve evidence of Russian war crimes.

The Russian horde that was advancing to Kyiv in February in huge motor convoys either died ingloriously on Ukrainian ground or fled in March. These were criminals with a large supply of deadly weapons – an army that rapidly turned into looters and marauders. Every crime they committed vividly illustrated what the so-called “Russian world” was actually about.

During scientific field expeditions, historians and scientists of the museum actively documented the crimes committed by the Russian army. The arrival of Ukrainian soldiers on “The Museum Front” was quite a surprise for the museum workers and garnered admiration.

Meeting with people wearing Ukrainian military uniform, whom at the height of fighting made time to look for the various artifacts, became the beginning of a strong friendship and grew into the joint exhibition project.