Vladimir Putin 'consulted shamans' on launching nukes that could start WW3

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, reportedly sought spiritual advice from Mongolian shamans regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons, according to sources within Russia.

The leaderis known for his "special attitude to mysticism", with whispers in 2018 suggesting he bathed in the blood of a Siberian red deer to enhance his virility.

However, during his trip to Mongolia in early September this year, it's alleged that Putin took his mystical beliefs up a notch, as reported by the Daily Star. The news comes as NATO scrambled war planes for second day following devastating attack on Ukraine.

Mikhail Zygar, founder of the banned opposition channel TV Dozhd, hinted that Putin has a strong interest in "pagan traditions."

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In an article for the German news website Der Spiegel, Zygar penned:

"Mongolia and Tuva are considered the home of the most powerful shamans in the world. Vladimir Putin has long been known for his special attitude towards mysticism.

"And he apparently combines his interest in Orthodox mysticism with pagan traditions.", reports the Express US.

Despite being a member of the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin last year following his deportation of Ukrainian children, Mongolia did not detain Putin during his visit.

Zygar suggested that Putin was willing to risk arrest to consult the spirits, citing Mongolia's heavy dependence on Russia as a reason for their lack of action.

The Kremlin has rubbished recent claims made by an opposition figure, declaring:

"The mentioned circumstances related to the Russian President's visit to Mongolia in September 2024 have no connection to reality."

This isn't Putin's first venture into mysticism - he allegedly consulted spiritual advisers before his 2012 invasion of Ukraine.

In a report last year, Russian state media alleged that the nation's "supreme shaman" Kara-ool Dopchun-ool had called upon 'the sun, the moon and the stars' to shield Kremlin forces in Ukraine, all at Putin's request.