Caricatures of Vladimir Putin spark controversy at German carnival

Tuesday 17 February 2026 - 12:00

By: Sahili Aya

Caricatures of Vladimir Putin spark controversy at German carnival

In Germany, the traditional “Rosenmontag” carnival this Monday featured hundreds of thousands of participants parading alongside political caricatures that have drawn Moscow’s ire. Colorfully dressed revelers in cities like Düsseldorf and Cologne marched past floats satirizing world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Among the most notable works were paper-mâché sculptures by German artist Jacques Tilly, who faces charges in Russia for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army. He is set to be tried in absentia in Moscow on February 26. Tilly dismissed the accusations as “ridiculous” and vowed to continue creating politically charged artworks targeting the Russian president, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

“The culture of debate can sometimes be provocative, but it is not understood in Putin’s Russia,” Tilly remarked. André Kuper, president of the North Rhine-Westphalia parliament, expressed support for the artist, stating that the legal action in Russia highlights how democracies alone protect freedom of expression and the rule of law.

The carnival included floats showing a bloated, red-faced Putin stabbing a jester labeled “satire” and piloting a drone painted in the colors of Germany’s pro-Russian far-right party, Alternative for Germany. Other floats satirized figures like Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, touching on themes from politics to childhood screen time.

Attendees also carried numerous signs, such as one depicting Putin in striped prison garb restrained by a black ball labeled “Putin in prison!” with blue and yellow colors symbolizing Ukraine, calling for justice and accountability.