• Craig from Ukraine UK Aid wearing the 13.4 kg improvised body armour on the outskirts of Kyiv in early 2024, shortly after it was donated.
  • Front view of the handmade brown Ukrainian body-armour carrier, with black webbing, shoulder fastenings and adjustable waist straps.
  • Opened handmade Ukrainian body-armour carrier showing its brown outer fabric, blue internal plate sleeves and adjustable fastening straps.
  • Rear view of the improvised brown Ukrainian body-armour carrier, showing its plain back panel, shoulder straps and adjustable side buckles.
  • Open blue fabric plate sleeve inside the improvised Ukrainian body armour, revealing the edge of a steel plate beneath its protective wrapping.
  • Close-up of the second heavy steel armour plate, showing its rounded corners, protective material and layers of clear plastic wrapping.
  • Close-up of one handmade steel armour plate covered with fibrous anti-spall material and tightly wrapped in clear plastic film.
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Kristina

Improvised Ukrainian Steel-Plate Body Armour – Early 2022

Improvised Ukrainian Steel-Plate Body Armour – Early 2022

£350.00 GBP
£100.00 GBP £350.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

An extraordinary example of improvised Ukrainian body armour, believed to have been made during the opening months of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The completely handmade carrier contains two exceptionally heavy steel armour plates, each approximately 1 cm thick. The plates have been covered with fibrous anti-spall material, wrapped in plastic film and placed inside handmade blue fabric sleeves. The outer carrier is constructed from brown fabric with simple webbing, adjustable straps and plastic buckles.

The complete vest weighs an astonishing 13.4 kg, illustrating the shortages faced during the early months of the invasion and the uncomfortable equipment Ukrainian defenders were sometimes forced to rely upon.

This item was donated to Ukraine UK Aid in 2023 by a contact from Odesa. Its exact maker and original wearer are unknown, but its construction and provenance suggest that it was probably produced in or around the Odesa region during early 2022.

One of the accompanying photographs shows Craig from Ukraine UK Aid wearing this actual vest on the outskirts of Kyiv in early 2024, shortly after it was given to us. The photograph forms part of the item’s documented history and demonstrates its remarkable size and weight when worn.

Please note that this is a historical collector’s item only. Its ballistic performance has not been tested or certified, and it must never be relied upon as protective equipment.

IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION

Because this item weighs 13.4 kg before packaging, shipping will be very expensive. Please contact us before purchasing if you would like an accurate delivery quotation. International delivery may also be subject to additional courier and customs restrictions.

The item is offered in its original donated condition, with marks and wear consistent with its history. Your purchase will support the continuing humanitarian work of Ukraine UK Aid CIC.

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