Russia sent bone fragments of Prince Dmitry Donskoy to the front in Ukraine
Fragments identified as belonging to Prince Dmitry Donskoy were uncovered in Moscow this summer and later dispatched to frontline units in Ukraine.
Bone fragments from the arm of a medieval Russian prince have been sent to the front in Ukraine with the stated purpose of raising troop morale, according to official reports.
The remains were identified as belonging to Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who died in 1389 and is celebrated by Russian nationalists for his victory over the Mongols at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. The prince's sarcophagus was uncovered this summer during restoration work at the Cathedral of the Archangel in Moscow.
Putin viewed the finds and praised them
Officials said President Vladimir Putin personally inspected the well-preserved remains in August. He described them as "an absolutely unique and wonderful discovery that strengthened the foundations of Russian history."
Authorities then arranged for fragments of bone from the prince's arm to be transported to units fighting in Ukraine, a move presented as intended to boost the morale of Russian forces by linking them to a celebrated medieval victory.
Historians note that Dmitry Donskoy's role in the 1380 Battle of Kulikovo has long been a symbol used by Russian nationalist narratives. The recent discovery and its subsequent use underline how historical relics can be mobilized for contemporary political and military purposes.
Photo: Телеграм)
