06.11.2026 12:10
Artur Tsybykov, who identifies himself as a shaman in Russia, announced that he plans to sacrifice 60 camels for his country to win the war in Ukraine. It was revealed that Tsybykov, who aims to kill 5 camels every month for a year, also organized a ritual in 2019 in which 5 camels were sacrificed. Animal rights advocates and other shamans called for the controversial plan to be stopped.
Artur Tsybikov, a 53-year-old who operates in Russia's Irkutsk region and identifies himself as a shaman, has become the focus of debate with a new ritual plan involving the sacrifice of animals. Tsybikov, leader of the shamanic organization "Eternal Blue Sky" in the city of Angarsk, said he aimed to ask the Slavic gods for help so that Russia would win the war in Ukraine.
HE WILL SACRIFICE 5 CAMELS EVERY MONTH
According to reports in the Russian press, Tsybikov announced in a video message published at the end of October that he planned to organize sacrificial ceremonies lasting one year.
As part of the rituals he wants to begin in November, 5 camels will be sacrificed each month. Thus, at the end of one year, a total of 60 camels will have been killed.
Tsybikov stated that he wanted to perform these ceremonies to ask the Slavic gods for forgiveness, help, and support.
HE EXPLAINED HIS GOAL: MAY RUSSIA WIN THE WAR
Speaking to the Russia-based news outlet Lyudi Baykala, Tsybikov also explained the reason for the rituals.
Tsybikov stated that he believed the ceremonies would eliminate negative things in Russia and said he wanted the war against Ukraine to end as soon as possible with Russia's victory.
These statements by the shaman drew particular reaction from animal rights advocates.
HE ALSO SACRIFICED 5 CAMELS IN 2019
It has emerged that this was not the first time Tsybikov drew reaction because of his animal sacrifice rituals.
At a ceremony held in the Irkutsk region in 2019, 5 camels were killed, and parts of the animals were burned in a ritual fire. Footage published at the time drew a large backlash, and the prosecutor's office launched an investigation.
Kara-Ool Dopchun-Ool, one of the leading figures of the shamanic community in Russia, sharply criticized the ceremony in question and argued that this practice was incompatible with traditional shamanism.
After the ceremony, a fine of 3,000 rubles was imposed because the animals were transported without permission from veterinary authorities.
OTHER SHAMANS ALSO REACTED
The new plan also caused debate within the shamanic community.
Tuvan shaman Aleftina Sagaan-Ool opposed Tsybikov's practices, stating that sacrificing camels was not part of her own traditions.
Animal rights advocates also demanded that the planned ceremonies be prevented. However, there is no verified information that 60 camels were sacrificed. At this stage, the statements are limited to the plan announced by Tsybikov.