Exhibition “A Drone of Russian Terror” opens in Oulu on Friday 14th August

A Geran/Shahed attack drone used in Russia’s war against Ukraine will be displayed in central Oulu from 14 to 30 August 2026. The exhibition “A Drone of Russian Terror” at Rotuaari, Kirkkokatu 23, will be officially opened on Friday 14 August at 2.15 pm by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Tetyana Filevska. Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture, Mari-Leena Talvitie, will also attend the opening ceremony on the Rotuaari Stage.

The exhibition brings the realities of Russia’s war against Ukraine closer to the public by showing the types of weapon systems used in attacks on Ukrainian cities, residential areas, hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure. The downed drone on display is a stark reminder of the consequences of the war for ordinary people and of the impact that repeated air attacks have on everyday life.

Russia has made extensive use of Geran drones, which are based on Iranian-designed Shahed drones, in its attacks on Ukraine. Such drones are used almost daily, causing widespread destruction and human suffering across the country, including in Odesa, Oulu’s twin city.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine, make the consequences of the war more tangible and deepen understanding of what it means to live under the constant threat of air attacks. These attacks cause deaths and injuries and can leave communities without electricity, heating and water for extended periods, affecting millions of Ukrainians.

“The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see up close a weapon that has come to symbolise the reality of everyday life during the war in Ukraine. Seeing it in person can help people understand the consequences of the war in a way that news images alone cannot always convey,” says Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu.

The City of Oulu is organizing the exhibition in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine. Oulu and Odesa have been twin cities since 1957. The exhibition is one way for the City of Oulu to express its solidarity with Ukraine and to underline the importance of peace, security and international cooperation.

The opening ceremony will feature Vaskiveikot Brass Ensemble, performing the Ukrainian national anthem.

Exhibition

• Opening: Friday, 14 August at 2.15 pm on the Rotuaari Stage
• Opening hours: Daily from 1 pm to 7 pm at Rotuaari, Kirkkokatu 23, until 30 August 2026
• Drone dimensions: Approximately 3.5 metres long, with a wingspan of 2.5 metres and a weight of approximately 200 kg. The warhead weighs 50–90 kg.
• The exhibition has been made possible by: Ammattiopisto Luovi Oy, Kaleva Media Oy, Kauppakortteli Pekuri, Maanpuolustuskoulutus ry, MSP Oy, Osuuskauppa Arina, Oulun Autokuljetus Oy, Oulun kongressitekniikka Oy, Oulun Liikekeskus ry, Oulun seudun ammattiopisto, Oulun seudun maanpuolustushenkiset järjestöt and Wetteri Oyj
• Drone from the War Zone: Geran-2 (Shahed-136) exhibition – Oulu2026 event calendar
• Admission to both the opening and the exhibition is free.