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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
John Siddle

Downed Russian tanks transformed into works of art by Ukrainian craftsmen

Downed Russian tanks are being turned into works of art by brave Ukrainian craftsmen.

Fragments of blitzed Kremlin combat vehicles have been transformed into panels and pendants to honour the country’s fierce resistance.

The artworks - forged from twisted and burnt metal scavenged from the frontline - are being sold to help pay for medicine for civilians caught up in the brutality.

Oleskandr Demchenko, 29, who launched the campaign History Art Metal, said: “This is a unique art collection that captures the essence of Ukrainian culture and its resilience.

“We’re turning downed Russian tanks into one-of-a-kind panels, pendants, tokens, and installations.

“Each item is engraved with the model and image of the entire vehicle, giving it a timeless quality and ensuring its legacy lives on.

“Our unique art collection offers tangible pieces of Ukrainian history that serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

“By transforming downed military vehicles into stunning art, we have created a collection that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.”

Destroyed military vehicles in Kyiv Oblast (AGF/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The group, based in Ukrainian capital Kyiv, has created more than 200 art installations, 320 pendants and more than 1400 tokens.

Customers can choose from the destroyed remnants of ten types of Russian armoured vehicles.

Oleksandr is currently appealing for supporters to invest through the funding platform Kickstarter, which he has already raised £3,000.Backers can purchase various pieces for between £23 and £811.

Fragments of blitzed Kremlin combat vehicles have been transformed into panels and pendants (Kickstarter)

He added: “Before war broke out last year, I owned a photo studio in the heart of Kyiv.

But since February 2022, I've been coordinating humanitarian aid distribution to military personnel and civilians alike.

“Throughout my travels to towns and villages in the region, I witnessed first hand the impact of the war on Ukraine.

Profits are helping civilians caught up in the war (Kickstarter)

“During one visit to a village, I came across the wreckage of destroyed equipment.

“And it was at that moment that I found my inspiration - to transform these historical artifacts into works of art that will offer a fresh perspective on Ukraine's shared history.

“My goal is to showcase and convey to the world the pieces of Ukraine's past and our resistance."

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