Satirical figures of Putin and world leaders are paraded at Düsseldorf Carnival – photos
German sculptor Jacques Tilly has placed Russia's war against Ukraine and tensions in Europe over Russian aggression at the centre of his satire at this year's Düsseldorf Carnival in Germany.
Source: German international broadcaster and media outlet Deutsche Welle
Details: Tilly created several big installations for this year's parade that feature satirical depictions of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin in military uniform. In one sculpture, a camouflage-clad Putin with a Russian flag on his sleeve stabs a carnival jester wearing a hat labelled "Satire" – a metaphor for the clash between political realities and freedom of expression.
Another large sculpture shows Putin and US President Donald Trump appearing to devour Europe, who is sitting on a bull – an allusion to the myth of Europa and a symbol of the external threats to the region's security.
Another of Tilly's works criticises the possible links between the Kremlin and Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party: Putin is depicted as remotely controlling a drone marked "AfD", highlighting concerns about the influence of authoritarian ideas in Europe.
The carnival in Düsseldorf and other Rhine cities has become a platform for political satire and civic expression about European concerns.
Who is Jacques Tilly?
Jacques Tilly is a German sculptor and political satirist known for his large-scale carnival installations for the Düsseldorf parade. His works frequently lampoon world leaders and major international events, with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin often appearing as a central figure in his compositions.
In December 2025, a criminal case was opened against Tilly in Moscow on charges of "discrediting" the Russian armed forces.
The sculptor said he would not be travelling to Moscow for the trial. He said the charges are fabricated and motivated by his many years of satire targeting Putin.
Putin has repeatedly featured in Tilly's works. He has been depicted in a bloodbath in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, attempting to swallow Ukraine with the caption "Choke on it!", and in scenes referencing Alexei Navalny. Tilly believes these were the installations that brought about the criminal case.
The situation has prompted a wave of solidarity with the artist in Germany. The organisers of this year's Cologne and Mainz carnivals have declined to include satirical depictions of Putin, saying that this is a "personal matter" between the Kremlin and Tilly. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst condemned the attempt to prosecute the artist, emphasising that art and carnival are expressions of democratic freedom of speech.
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