Russian President and former KGB chief Vladimir Putin has been welcomed to Britain this week in an enormous display of pomp and ceremony. The first Russian leader to visit since Tsar Alexander II in 1874, the red carpet was rolled out for Putin as he was led through four days of processions, guards of honour and lavish banquets.
Critics have pointed to the absence of discussions between the meeting dignitaries on the war in Chechnya, or the ongoing reports of extra-judicial execution, rape and torture by Russian forces in the region. Interestingly, as Putin met Prime Minister Tony Blair and dined with the Queen, a small group of young dancers from the Chechen capital of Grozny also touched down in Britain, to begin a national tour. The group, whose members continue to live and train in Grozny, have been moving audiences to tears around Europe with their exuberant dances.
