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Russia Accidentally Spends $20K Painting Ukrainian Azov Recruitment Campaign on Victory Day Mural

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Unaltered mural in Dzerzhinsky depicting a Ukrainian soldier from Azov Brigade recruitment campaign, mistakenly presented as a Russian serviceman before public backlash. (Source: Russian media)
Unaltered mural in Dzerzhinsky depicting a Ukrainian soldier from Azov Brigade recruitment campaign, mistakenly presented as a Russian serviceman before public backlash. (Source: Russian media)

A mural commissioned by local authorities in Dzerzhinsky, a city in the Moscow region, mistakenly depicted a soldier from Ukraine’s Azov Brigade recruitment campaign instead of a Russian servicemember, prompting swift backlash and eventual removal.

According to Russian media reports, the mural was unveiled as part of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II.

The project reportedly cost 1.6 million rubles (approximately $20,000) and was intended to honor a so-called “hero of the special military operation .”

Promotional image of Ukraine’s Azov Brigade fundraiser for the 6th Battalion, featuring the same soldier later used in a mural in Russia. (Source: AZOV)
Promotional image of Ukraine’s Azov Brigade fundraiser for the 6th Battalion, featuring the same soldier later used in a mural in Russia. (Source: AZOV)

However, social media users quickly identified the figure in the mural as a Ukrainian serviceman whose image has been used in promotional materials for the Azov Brigade and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The figure bore NATO-style insignia and lacked any Russian military symbols, triggering a wave of online criticism.

In response, local authorities attempted to modify the mural by painting over NATO emblems, changing the uniform and rifle, and adding Russian symbols, including the “Z” emblem and national flag patches. Despite these efforts, the mural was ultimately painted over entirely with white paint.

Progression of the mural in Dzerzhinsky, Russia, initially showing a Ukrainian Azov soldier. Later edits added Russian symbols before the image was painted over entirely. (Source: Russian media)
Progression of the mural in Dzerzhinsky, Russia, initially showing a Ukrainian Azov soldier. Later edits added Russian symbols before the image was painted over entirely. (Source: Russian media)

No official explanation has been provided by the Dzerzhinsky administration regarding how the error occurred or whether any investigation will be launched concerning the misuse of public funds.

This incident follows a series of similar mistakes in Russian wartime propaganda. Previous examples include banners featuring Wehrmacht soldiers and Nazi military equipment misidentified as Soviet forces during Victory Day celebrations.

Plans reportedly included two additional murals on neighboring buildings in Dzerzhinsky, though their status remains unclear following the controversy.

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Russian euphemism for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aimed at occupying territory and dismantling Ukrainian statehood.