In recent weeks, a popular attraction has been added to St. Sophia Square, a very popular place among kyiv residents.
The Ukrainian army placed wrecks of Russian tanks, trucks, guns and missiles there, all of which were destroyed by the country’s artillery.
Enthroned in front of the Baroque bell tower not far from Saint Sophia Cathedral, the remains of this Russian military have been burnt, rusted and in poor condition. However, hundreds of Ukrainians, young and old, come every day to observe them.
Many are holding cannons and even reveling in climbing the turret of tanks to capture their image as liberators of Ukraine.
Alexander, now a resident of Kyiv but from Donetsk to Donbass, said the wrecks bring back bad memories: Pretty scary, because for me this is the second time the Russians have created havoc in my area. Already under progressive partial control of Russia since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Donbass, in eastern Ukraine, has been under Moscow’s aggression for several months.
Some fire tanks and trucks also emit the smell of potentially toxic chemicals, as these vehicles sitting on the throne in this peaceful square are unlikely to have been decontaminated.
It doesn’t stop kids from playing cannons, opening truck doors or even climbing over broken ones.
Alexander feels that this is not the place for children, and they prefer to go to the parks to have fun. Moreover, he believes, it plants in their minds the idea of a permanent war from an early age.
However, Alexandra, his wife, thinks it is important for the youngest to know their history. They must know the truth about this barbaric warhe says.
This unique attraction also evokes in some citizens the impression of Ukrainian success. Like trophies. I am ambivalent in the face of this way of showing us the effects of the war on the Russiansconfession of Sergei, a 30-year-old resident of kyiv.
A mixed feeling, first because other people died in these tanks and in these trucks; then, above all, because the war was not yet over. Ukraine can claim victory soondoes he think.
It doesn’t matter: the days go by and alike, and there’s most.
Source: Radio-Canada
