Home World International Crisis Polish authorities investigate a display of Ukrainian-origin Russian military equipment featuring live explosives.

Polish authorities investigate a display of Ukrainian-origin Russian military equipment featuring live explosives.

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Polish authorities investigate a display of Ukrainian-origin Russian military equipment featuring live explosives.
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WARSAW, Poland — On Tuesday, Polish prosecutors revealed they are contemplating whether to initiate a criminal probe regarding an outdoor exhibition held in 2022 that featured damaged Russian military vehicles. This decision follows the discovery of live explosives within one of these vehicles.

The displayed items included a devastated T-72 tank, a self-propelled howitzer, and parts of Russian missile systems, all of which were transported to Poland from Ukraine’s combat zones a few months after Russia’s large-scale invasion began in February 2022. During a recent inventory assessment, live grenades and ammunition were uncovered inside one of the exhibits, which had seemingly remained there since their time on the battlefield. Since the exhibition concluded, the military vehicles have been securely stored away.

These vehicles were imported by the previous administration, which was replaced at the end of 2023. The recent stocktaking was instigated by the new leadership of the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves, appointed by the current governing body. Following the findings, the agency has formally requested the Warsaw prosecutors investigate potential neglect regarding crucial security measures that should have been conducted on the vehicles.

“There are chilling thoughts about what could have transpired if there had been an explosion,” remarked Jan Jalowczyk from the strategic reserves agency. “During these exhibitions, many attendees were present, including families and children.”

If found guilty of jeopardizing public safety, the responsible parties could face prison sentences of up to eight years. Meanwhile, sappers have secured the explosives rather than disarm them, preserving them as evidence pending the investigation.

The exhibition, titled “For Our Freedom and Yours,” was organized by the former government in collaboration with Ukrainian officials to inspire hope and demonstrate that the invading forces posed a defeat by showcasing the damaged military items. The exhibition took place in cities including Warsaw, Poznan, and Gdansk, and was also featured during a military equipment fair in Kielce, with plans for a showing in Brussels.

Additionally, the prosecutors are investigating claims that the previous administration misused approximately 700 million zlotys (around $176 million) on the transportation of these vehicles across Poland, a task that allegedly fell outside the agency’s official responsibilities.