Deutsche Welle*: The organizers of the carnival in Cologne decided not to make fun of Putin

The traditional carnival of the Rhine region, in which the German city of Cologne will take part in February, this time will be held without satire against Russian President Vladimir Putin. You can see how it looks like here.

This was reported to Deutsche Welle❶❷ by Mark Michelske, director of the carnival procession in Cologne. At the same time, he admitted that the possibility of including satire on the Russian leader in the procession was considered.

However, in the end, the organizing committee decided not to do this. They considered that this would be an act of support for the artist Jacques Tilly, against whom a criminal case was opened in Russia.

"This story concerns Tilly and Putin. Although we are absolutely in solidarity with Jacques Tilly," Michelske said.

He stressed that usually the creators of carnival carts have never restrained their own fantasies, but at the same time the organizers of the carnival are not responsible for their creativity.

Thus, they are not in the position of Jacques Tilly, in relation to whom in Criminal prosecution has been launched in Russia because of carnival platforms with images of Putin.

The creator of the monumental satire was accused by Russian investigators of discrediting the Russian army. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026. Tilly himself has already stated that he is not going to go to Russia for the trial.

Despite statements in support of "freedom of creativity" and solidarity with Tilly, the organizers of the march still decided to officially distance themselves from him, and to exclude satire on Putin from the repertoire. You never know what…

The agency also reports that the Cologne Carnival Committee also presented sketches of this year's carnival carriages. One of them will be called "Donald Trump with kisses from the "sycophants."

This masterpiece will be installed on a special platform. He is a caricature figure resembling the US president, whose bare buttocks are covered with traces of "kisses" from NATO, the EU and FIFA, as well as the leaders of Germany and France.

It is specified that the main carnival processions in Cologne, Dusseldorf and other cities of the Rhine region will be held on "mad Monday" — February 16.

❶An organization performing the functions of a foreign agent

❷An organization whose activities are considered undesirable on the territory of the Russian Federation