Putin Gifts Rings to 8 Former Soviet Leaders... Was He Inspired by "The Lord of the Rings"?

Distributed Rings to CIS Leaders
Compared to Sauron, the Ultimate Evil from The Lord of the Rings

The image shows the rings distributed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), former Soviet countries, during a meeting on the 26th (local time). [Image source=Twitter]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has attracted international attention by reportedly giving out gold rings during a year-end meeting with the leaders of pro-Russian former Soviet states in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Some commentators have even criticized Putin for parodying J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Lord of the Rings."

According to AFP on the 28th (local time), President Putin presented gold rings at the CIS summit held from the 26th to the 27th. The summit, held in Saint Petersburg, was attended by leaders from eight countries: Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The rings were reportedly engraved with phrases such as "Russia" and "Happy New Year 2023." After distributing eight rings, Putin kept the ninth ring for himself. This move is interpreted as an effort to strengthen unity and camaraderie among pro-Russian countries amid the worsening situation of the war in Ukraine.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Political commentators from various countries openly mocked Putin's gesture of giving rings. Many pointed out that it was a parody of "The Lord of the Rings." The story, which was also adapted into a film, features the ultimate evil "Sauron," who distributes nine rings filled with his greed to human kings to enslave them and dominate the world.

Russian political expert Ekaterina Schulmann stated, "President Putin's distribution of rings was a deliberate act conscious of 'The Lord of the Rings,'" adding, "The rings seem to symbolize Putin's 'vain dreams.'"

Another Russian political commentator, Yulia Latynina, mocked, "Pointing out Russia's international isolation after the war began, Putin gave out 'rings of powerlessness' instead of power," and said, "The countries led by those who wear these rings will fall into darkness ruled by madmen."

Ukraine also joined the criticism. Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko remarked, "Putin, who has become the Hitler of the 21st century, now seems to have decided to play the role of the Lord of the Rings."

Russia strongly denied these criticisms. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized during a press briefing that day, "There is no need to read too much into the rings. They are simply New Year's gifts," and added, "President Putin will not be wearing the ninth ring."