Ukraine is exhibiting weapons and military equipment seized from the frontlines of the conflict that it said prove direct Russian involvement in the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Armoured vehicles, multiple rocket launchers and tanks have assembled in a square in the centre of Kiev. Also on show are remnants of rockets that Ukrainian authorities say bear markings proving their Russian origin.

Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
A man in military fatigues photographs a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
Security forces inspect a tank on display as part of an exhibition the Ukrainian government claims proves direct Russian involvement in the fighting Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
People look at one of several drones displayed in Kiev Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The exhibits include MON-50 antipersonnel mines, which are not produced in Ukraine and are used by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, according to exhibition organisers Ukraine's Presidential Administration.

Russian passports and military IDs found in the region present "undeniable evidence that Russia finances mercenaries" according to a report on gokiev.info.

Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
People look at portable grenade launchers and a heavy machine gun that Ukraine claims are of Russian origin Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
People gather around a rocket for a multiple rocket launcher system Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
Visitors look at a flag and a newspaper and other materials the Ukrainian government claims it recovered in eastern Ukraine that prove direct Russian involvement in the fighting Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
People look at the remains of an armoured personnel carrier Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Ukraine shows off Russian weapons
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko visits an exhibition of weapons and military hardware apparently seized from pro-Russian separatists during fighting in eastern Ukraine Mykola Lazarenko/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

On 18 February, Britain released an infographic featuring photographs of Russian truck-mounted SA-22 surface-to-air missile systems being operated in eastern Ukraine, saying it was further proof of Russia's military involvement in the conflict.

The infographic is headed "How to recognise Russia's Pantsir-S1 (or SA-22) which is not operated by Ukrainian forces."

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on 18 February that "Russian forces, artillery and air defence units as well as command and control elements are still active in Ukraine."

"I urge Russia to withdraw all its forces from eastern Ukraine, to stop all its support for the separatists and to respect the Minsk agreements. And to also use all its influence on the separatists to make them respect the ceasefire," he said.

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