Ukraine's Restored Armored Vehicles Go on Display
Kyiv has a new military-history attraction at Arsenal Square: two restored armored cars from the Ukrainian People's Republic era, an Austin 'Otaman Konovalets' and an Austin Second Series 'Fedir Chernyk,' along with a 3-inch model 1908 field gun. The restoration was carried out by soldiers of the Third Army Corps under Corps Commander Andriy Biletskyi. Together, the vehicles will form the basis of a future military-historical museum of Ukraine's liberation struggle. For international audiences, seeing these restored machines is a vivid reminder that Ukraine's fight for sovereignty stretches back more than a century.
Origins of the Armored Cars
The Austin 'Otaman Konovalets' was originally built in Britain during World War I for the Russian Empire. After being captured by Ukrainian forces, it served with the 2nd Podillian Motor-Armored Car Division of the UNR Active Army and saw action against both Bolshevik and White Guard troops. Only the frame and some hull components survived into the present. On August 13, the artillery carriage of this same vehicle carried the coffin of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets to a church in Kyiv.
The second vehicle, 'Fedir Chernyk,' was named after a captain of the Sich Riflemen and belonged to the armored-car division of the Corps of Sich Riflemen; it was fitted with two machine guns. Alongside these cars, the soldiers also restored a 3-inch model 1908 field gun that still has its barrel, wheels, armored shield, and visible shrapnel damage.
The exhibition featuring 'Otaman Konovalets,' 'Fedir Chernyk,' and the 3-inch gun is intended to become the core of the future museum. The army of the Ukrainian State fielded eight armored-car divisions, each with a nominal strength of six vehicles—two armed with cannon and four with machine guns. Each division was organized into two batteries of three armored cars. Most of this equipment came from armored divisions of the Russian imperial army.
The restored vehicles will remain at Arsenal Square in Kyiv for one month before traveling to other cities across Ukraine.
Restoring these armored cars and the field gun is an important step in preserving the memory of Ukraine's long fight for independence.
The museum will become a hub for educational initiatives that help future generations understand the significance of Ukraine's liberation struggle and its ongoing relevance. Making these exhibits accessible to the public is also important, as it can encourage national consciousness and patriotism.
As the exhibition of restored armored vehicles highlights Ukraine's historical military achievements, it coincides with ongoing efforts to honor the legacy of key figures from the Ukrainian People's Republic. For instance, the upcoming reburial of a prominent leader of the UNR army underscores the nation's commitment to preserving its rich history. To learn more about this significant event, visit the details of the new reburial.