© 2025 National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. Memorial complex.
Collection

Transport and launch container (single-use) for the NLAW anti-tank guided missile

Over the 8 years of the Russo-Ukrainian war leading up to the large-scale invasion, the museum collection expanded with more than 14,000 artifacts that represent the military, political-economic, and socio-humanitarian aspects of the temporary annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Among the authentic items collected at that time were numerous samples of weaponry, most of which were of Soviet origin.

During the full-scale invasion by the Russian forces, the Memorial’s collection was supplemented with the latest domestic developments, such as the Stugna anti-tank missile system, as well as foreign weapons that played a significant role in the early stages of the open Russian attack, crucial for the Ukrainian Defense Forces in repelling enemy aggression.

One of the most valuable items in the collection, symbolizing the highest display of human bravery, sacrifice, and at the same time, true friendship, political will, and devotion to the ideals of freedom and justice, is the Swedish-British-made NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) system.

The device is compact and belongs to the category of guided weapons, operating on the "fire-and-forget" principle. It was transferred to the museum in the autumn of 2022 by soldiers from the special operations unit "Omega" of the National Guard of Ukraine.

This weapon belonged to Major Vadym Zelenuik. Strong, brave, determined, and resolute, he was a multiple champion and medalist of Ukraine and Europe in combat sambo, judo, and universal combat. His military career began in 2014, and he regularly participated in rotations to Eastern Ukraine. After the large-scale invasion by Russian forces, he returned to his unit and fought in the hottest battle zones: Kyiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk regions. Vadym was part of the group conducting target reconnaissance and adjusting artillery fire in the Kyiv region. In June, he participated in the assault on Severodonetsk. Almost every day, he carried out reconnaissance in the "gray" zone of the Donetsk front. On August 22, 2022, near Avdiivka, the group received an assignment to repel an enemy assault and secure positions. Using two NLAW missile teams, Major Zelenuik destroyed two enemy BMPs and their crews. During the movement, while covering his comrades and taking fire, he sustained a gunshot wound but continued to advance and engage the enemy. The group came under mortar fire, and Vadym was fatally injured by shrapnel. Posthumously, he was awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine" and the "Golden Star" Order, which was presented to his family.

On January 22, 2023, the museum was visited by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. A great friend of Ukraine, as a sign of admiration for the resilience and selflessness of the Ukrainian people, he left his signature on the tube of the British NLAW missile system of Ukrainian soldier Vadym Zelenuik.