But despite the horror of the Russian invasion, some Ukrainians managed to find lighter moments in the dark. Thus, when the annual Oscars made headlines over 6,200 miles in Los Angeles, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine released its own virtual Oscars on Twitter. The list celebrates what Ukraine sees as some of its greatest successes during the war, as it continues to resist Vladimir Putin’s attacks. On Monday, March 28, officials announced several “awards” via Ukraine’s Defense Twitter page, including Best Supporting Actor – awarded to tractors and farmers towing Russian tankers – and Best Children’s Song for a singing the national anthem of Ukraine at a bomb shelter in Kharkov. The following is a summary of the ministry’s self-proclaimed “best moments”.
Best Movie: Russian warship, go alone to Berdyansk
The so-called “Best Picture Award” was given to footage showing a huge Russian landing craft being wrecked just days after it was filmed unloading aid in the besieged port city of Berdyansk. Last week, the Ukrainian military claimed to have struck Orsk, a 370-foot Russian Alligator-class tank carrier that Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar described as a “huge target” on Ukrainian television. It is the largest ship so far, which Ukrainian troops managed to hit and suffered a great loss for Putin. Meanwhile, the title of the video – “Russian warship, go for yourself” – refers to the infamous phrase of the state border guards on Snake Island, when the Russians asked them to surrender before being taken prisoner.
Best Supporting Actor: Ukrainian tractor in The Taming of the Shrew
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has stressed that the tractors that were filmed were towing Russian tanks – a symbol that defines resistance to Putin’s war. Images of Russian armored vehicles, with the symbol Z war, are circulating daily, whether captured, abandoned or destroyed by Ukraine.
Best International Feature Film: Bayraktar, the song of a Turkish guest
Recognition has been given to Turkey for the 3.7 million pound Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles used by Ukraine in air strikes against Russian forces. So far, they have helped the army destroy seven armored Russian fighter jets, five artillery pieces, 10 anti-aircraft systems, nine helicopters, two fuel trains, a multi-launcher system and 27 ground vehicles. The drones have a length of 21 feet, a top speed of 80 miles per hour and a range of 93 miles.
Best Photo: A kiss from Stinger
One of the first moments that emerged from the war was this dramatic downing of a Russian helicopter – according to information from a Stinger rocket. US-made stingers can be carried by troops, and earlier this month, NATO supplied Ukraine with nearly 3,000. During his historic speech to Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States to provide more military assistance to his country – including these weapons – to continue targeting Russian aircraft. Stinger was first developed in the US in 1981 and is now used by more than 18 nations.
Best Song: Anthem of Ukraine by UA girls at Kharkiv Bomb Shelter
The “Best Song” award was given to a clip of children singing the national anthem of Ukraine while hiding in a bomb shelter in the besieged city of Kharkiv. Videos of Ukrainians making the most of their time underground have captured the world in a way they had never seen before during a war. Kharkiv – formerly considered a favorite of Russia – is the second largest city in Ukraine and has been bombed in recent weeks.
Best Actor: Javelin for strong performance in Burning Orcs
In this video shared by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, troops are seen using a Javelin anti-tank missile against a Russian armored vehicle and celebrating after successfully achieving their goal. The spears operate using infrared systems to lock in on their targets, which means that troops do not have to continue aiming after pulling the trigger. Instead, as soon as the rocket is launched, it is launched from the tube using a small charge before the main missiles ignite. The title of this clip sees officials using the derogatory term “Orc”, used by Ukraine to describe Russian invaders since the start of the war, referring to the creatures of the Lord of the Rings.
Best production design: Ambush, from UA Army to NLAW
This video shows a column of 30 Russian tankers heading for Kyiv to be bombed by the Ukrainian army. Several Russian T-72 tanks and other vehicles were attacked in the front and rear of the convoy, which took place in Brovary earlier this month, forcing survivors to turn around and flee. This map shows the extent of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (Press Association Pictures) In the footage released by the Ukrainian army, a Russian soldier is then heard saying: “Commander, the commander is dead!” Ukraine’s Defense Ministry later named the dead Russian commander as Colonel Andrei Sakharov of the Sixth Tank Regiment of the 90th Tank Division. The Independent has a proud campaign history for the rights of the most vulnerable and we first launched our “Welcome Refugees” campaign during the war in Syria in 2015. Now, as we renew our campaign and start this report on In the wake of the unfolding Ukrainian crisis, we call on the government to move faster and faster to secure aid. To learn more about our Refugee Campaign, click here. To sign the application click here. If you would like to donate, click here for our GoFundMe page.
