Own Russian military gear and aid Ukraine. How a Polish group auctions off deserted equipment

These auctions are conducted on Polski Zespół Humanitarny’s profile. The idea behind these auctions is rather subversive - purchasing items branded with Russian emblems to support the Ukrainian army.

Items that have surfaced in the auctions include bulletproof vests, chevrons, camo jumpsuits, parachutes, and even cigarettes imprinted with the symbolic letter "Z".

In light of the fact that the project implementation period ends this year, and our need to continuously provide support, we've decided to offer some mementos from Ukraine in exchange for donations. Detailed descriptions and starting prices are provided for each item, and each auction lasts three days. We will post individual items in subsequent posts and we invite you to bid in the comments. More detailed/better photos will be provided upon request. The winning bidder is responsible for shipping charges - reads the first post about the Polski Zespół Humanitarny auction.

Polski Zespół Humanitarny has been working in Ukraine since the conflict started in 2014, and more ardently since February 2022.

We are running several projects there, including setting up water treatment stations. At present, four water treatment stations are operating in Ukraine, each station serving an entire neighborhood or village. One station is working in a children's hospital in Kherson, says Artur Niemczyk from Polski Zespół Humanitarny in a conversation with o2.

The Ukrainian army, stationed in the area, hands over Russian military clothing and equipment. The ideal scenario would be raising enough funds through these auctions to install more water purification stations. However, each station costs as much as 100 thousand PLN (approximately $24,700).

Nonetheless, funds are necessary for every aspect of the support.

We require financial aid for replacing filters in water treatment stations, medical equipment for hospitals, and food and medication for civilians… - enumerates Artur Niemczyk.

All the auction items, once the property of Russian soldiers, are now in Poland.