Iron Giant on Shikotan Island

Perched on a hill on Shikotan Island, a Soviet IS-3 heavy tank from WWII stands eerily intact. Partially covered by nature, this rusted relic appears ready for battle despite its years of abandonment. The tank’s age-old path to its resting place remains visible, hinting at its historic journey.

Situated in the Kuril Islands, part of the Yuzhno-Kurilsky District of Sakhalin Oblast, Russia, the tank has become one with its surroundings. This surreal sight feels like a scene from a forgotten war movie, where this sleeping iron giant awaits orders. It’s a powerful journey to the past, where history and nature have merged into an unexpected monument.