Putin calls up dozens of T-55 tanks used as props in Russian films

In a surprising turn, Vladimir Putin has resorted to using T-55 tanks from Mosfilm’s archives to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As modern military resources dwindle, the Russian army has pulled these relics—often used as movie props for war films—from the largest film studio in the country, which some call “Russia’s Hollywood.”

Mosfilm, Russia’s oldest film studio, has seen its warehouse of Cold War-era tanks and vehicles turned over to the Russian Armed Forces. Mosfilm’s Director General, Karen Shakhnazarov, described this as a “charitable contribution” to Russia’s military efforts, donating 28 T-55 tanks along with other outdated equipment stored at the studio’s military-technical base.

At a recent Kremlin meeting, Putin publicly thanked Shakhnazarov for Mosfilm’s “generous donation,” showing appreciation for the film studio’s unusual contribution of military props. “We are proud of Mosfilm,” Putin said, highlighting the unusual reliance on retired equipment for active military use in Ukraine. This donation included a variety of obsolete vehicles from the Cold War era: eight PT-76 tanks, six BMPs, and eight tractors, all originally retired by the Red Army and stored by Mosfilm for cinematic purposes. “I found out there was a need,” Shakhnazarov said, explaining that the Ministry of Defence quickly accepted his offer of these decommissioned vehicles.

The T-55 tanks, designed in the late 1950s and known for their past use in Soviet warfare, are hardly suited for modern battle, yet Russia’s dwindling resources have led them to press these antiquated vehicles into service. The T-55’s design, although historically notable, reflects an era of military hardware nearly 70 years old.

Shakhnazarov, a respected filmmaker and ardent Putin supporter, notably backed Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. This time, he has extended his support by providing Mosfilm’s stored tanks. The 72-year-old film producer declared his move as “a personal audience with Putin in the Kremlin,” adding a layer of propaganda as he stood by the Russian President.

In response to the deployment of these retired tanks, Ukrainian officials and media were quick to mock Russia’s reliance on “movie props” for the battlefield. The Ukrainian Telegram channel Pravda Gerashchenko sarcastically reported that Russia, after emptying Soviet weapon stockpiles, now resorts to “fake armored vehicles from the 1950s.”

The sight of aging T-55 tanks on Ukrainian soil signals a marked shift in Russia’s military strategy, as the Kremlin increasingly scours museums and warehouses for any remaining assets. While these vehicles may hold historical significance, their effectiveness in active combat remains highly questionable.

Observers and critics see this unusual move as emblematic of Russia’s logistical struggles, with Putin now accepting resources from a film studio to keep the invasion going. Ukraine’s mocking response underscores the international skepticism around Russia’s military capabilities, as the T-55s appear more fit for Hollywood than the front lines.

Karen Shakhnazarov’s contribution to Putin’s efforts serves as a reminder of the Russian film industry’s alignment with state propaganda, echoing past roles where culture and cinema have supported the Kremlin’s agendas. For now, Mosfilm’s aged tanks represent not just cinema history, but a symbol of Russia’s challenges on the battlefield.

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