This week sees activity on two fronts: Keir Starmer's focus on Ukraine and the continuing story of the shaman who tried to 'exorcise' Vladimir Putin.
Starmer's Ukraine Summit
Keir Starmer is set to host a major Ukraine summit this Sunday, signaling a strong commitment to addressing security concerns in the region. The summit aims to bring together key figures to discuss the ongoing geopolitical tensions and explore avenues for international support. This follows Starmer's recent trip to Washington, a mission described as "not quite accomplished, but off to a flying start," according to reports. While the Washington trip faced challenges, including navigating complex discussions surrounding Ukraine, it laid the groundwork for continued engagement on critical international issues.
The summit underscores the UK's focus on Ukraine's security and the broader implications for international stability. The event is expected to draw significant attention and may influence future discussions on geopolitical security.
The Shaman and the 'Demon'
Meanwhile, the story of Aleksander Gabyszew, the shaman who sought to "expel the demon from the Kremlin," continues. Gabyszew gained notoriety in March 2019 when he embarked on a 3,000-kilometer journey on foot from Yakutia to Moscow, aiming to perform an exorcism on Vladimir Putin. His journey attracted a considerable following, but it was cut short in September 2019 when he was arrested at the border between Buryatia and the Irkutsk region.
Following his arrest, Gabyszew was placed in a neuropsychiatric facility. While he was later released, it was under strict conditions, including a written undertaking not to leave the facility. Recent reports confirm that Gabyszew remains in a psychiatric hospital, highlighting the ongoing consequences of his unconventional protest.
"He sought to rid the Kremlin of a demon, and now he remains confined."
Diplomacy and Dissidence
These two stories, seemingly disparate, offer contrasting perspectives on the current political climate. Starmer's diplomatic efforts represent a conventional approach to international relations, while Gabyshev's actions highlight the lengths to which some are willing to go to express their dissent. It is also worth noting that Vladimir Putin sees "a certain hope" in the talks with the United States regarding the war in Ukraine. A second round of discussions was held on Thursday in Istanbul between Russian and American diplomats.
The juxtaposition of these events underscores the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape, marked by both diplomatic maneuvering and individual acts of defiance.