Soviet IS-3 'Stalin' Heavy Tank: Importance of Getting Assessment Right

摘要

In June 2014, anti-government separatists in Ukraine decided to include an IS-3 Stalin heavy tank built in 1946 that was anchoring a Ukrainian monument to the Great Patriotic War in their struggle against federal forces. After some coaxing from local mechanics and the belching of a lot of smoke from the engine, the pedestalmounted tank started up. The IS-3 was driven off the monument platform and assumed new duties with the separatists for six months or so. According to separatist forces, the IS-3 was used in battle June 30, 2014. Eventually, Ukrainian federal forces regained control of the local area and recaptured the tank. This infamous IS-3 is now on display near Kiev at Ukraine's National Military History Museum.