WATCH: Ukraine captures Russian gear, mocks claim retreat left none behind

Social media posts from the Ukrainian army show them capturing what they claim to be Russian military vehicles and weapons.

 Ukrainian servicemen fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun at a position on a frontline in Kherson region (photo credit: REUTERS)
Ukrainian servicemen fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun at a position on a frontline in Kherson region
(photo credit: REUTERS)

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry mocked in a series of social media posts claims by its Russian counterpart that no military gear was left behind in the Kremlin's retreat from Kherson and to the east bank of the Dnipro River.

"'No weapons and equipment left on the right bank.' Are you sure?" asked the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Sunday, showcasing the spoils of war in a video. Ukrainians claim to have captured an armored personnel carrier, tanks, shoulder-mounted rocket launchers, howitzers, jeeps and dozens of boxes of ammunition.

Another video shared by the Defense Ministry on Tuesday morning alleged to show helmets, uniforms and vests discarded by Russian soldiers to unburden themselves as they swam across the Dnieper River. 

"It will take at least a few weeks to unwrap all the generous gifts that the Russian occupiers thoughtfully left for the Ukrainian Army in the Kherson region," The Ukrainian ministry said in another post on Saturday displaying rows of mortar bombs. "This pleasant work is only just getting started."

 Ukrainian servicemen attend a flag rising ceremony after Russia's retreat from Kherson, in central Kherson, Ukraine November 14, 2022. (credit: VALENTYN OGIRENKO/REUTERS)
Ukrainian servicemen attend a flag rising ceremony after Russia's retreat from Kherson, in central Kherson, Ukraine November 14, 2022. (credit: VALENTYN OGIRENKO/REUTERS)

On Thursday, the ministry joked that all the equipment left behind by Russia was a "Lend-Lease" program by the Kremlin, referencing a US World War II program to equip US allies against the Axis powers.

"The 28th Brigade’s trophy T-72B3M, captured earlier, is pulling the export version of a T-90 with an anti-missile 'grill' on the tower, which was captured today."

Ukrainian Defense Ministry

"The 28th Brigade’s trophy T-72B3M, captured earlier, is pulling the export version of a T-90 with an anti-missile 'grill' on the tower, which was captured today," said the Ukrainian Ministry. "Russian suppliers have promised many more in the coming days."


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Another strategic failure for Russia

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Saturday that "Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them."

Wallace added that the "Russian Army has suffered a huge loss of life as a result of their illegal invasion and have only achieved international isolationism and humiliation."