Artur Tsybikov, the newly declared supreme shaman of Russia based in Angarsk, Irkutsk Oblast, intends to kill 60 camels over a one-year period starting in November 2026 to support Russian military forces in the war. Люди Байкала reported that the 53-year-old shaman plans to sacrifice five camels every month for a year in a ritual “marathon” designed to eliminate negative energies and thank ancestor-gods. Tsybikov previously performed a similar ritual in 2019, when shamans burned five camels to strengthen Russia, and conducted a ritual in late 2023 aimed at helping Vladimir Putin win the presidential election.
Regional Opposition and Animal Welfare Backlash
Tsybikov’s upcoming ritual has drawn sharp opposition from shamans in other regions, while animal rights defenders have called for him to face administrative or criminal liability, according to Люди Байкала. Meanwhile, Tsybikov defended the planned sacrifices by comparing the cycle to an Olympic event, stating in a video address that all ancestor-gods will arrive to be fed and petitioned for forgiveness. In 2024, Tsybikov publicly explained the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny by claiming that Navalny had “rocked the boat” and was “eliminated by higher powers.”
Negotiators prepare for Abu Dhabi summit
While the ritual is scheduled to begin in November 2026, diplomatic channels are concurrently preparing for high-level negotiations. US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Russia and Ukraine will resume talks with American mediation on November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi, as reported by Agence France-Presse. The discussions will focus on post-war security measures, de-escalation, humanitarian efforts, and next steps toward peace following months of stagnation and a previous Geneva meeting in mid-February.
Tri-Party Preparations in Brussels and Berlin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed preparations for a tri-party leadership meeting between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia during talks with White House special representatives Stephen Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to a Telegram announcement cited by ФОКУС. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, Zelenskyy told Reuters that the upcoming Abu Dhabi meetings will address security guarantees, an “energy truce,” and a Black Sea ceasefire to secure food exports. Zelenskyy added that while front-line situations remain complex and under control, the Russian army currently lacks battlefield advantage.
Peace talks and ritual sacrifices scheduled
When and where will the upcoming peace negotiations take place?
Negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will be held on November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
How many camels does Artur Tsybikov plan to sacrifice?
Angarsk shaman Artur Tsybikov plans to kill 60 camels over the course of one year, starting in November 2026, at a rate of five camels per month, according to Люди Байкала.
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