Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there are – understandably, to be honest – a hell of a lot of people who’d like to see Vladimir Putin locked up. And now, thanks to a new virtual tour of a Lithuanian prison, you can get a hint of what that might actually look like.
The project is a collaboration between the Lithuanian tourist office Go Vilnius and navigation platform Google Maps. The feature is an extension of Google Street View, with the idea being that you can virtually explore Vilnius’ Lukiškės Prison, an old penitentiary which is now a cultural centre with bars, courtyards and art spaces (plus a filming location for the most recent season of Stranger Things.)
Wind your virtual way through the prison’s cells and corridors, however, and you’ll find a surprise. Putin – or, more accurately, a full-size cardboard cut-out of the Russian president – is to be found in a dingy cell, next to a rickety looking bunk bed and a rusty loo. It’s a piece of political art by Elijas Šležas, designed to show Putin getting some kind of comeuppance for his invasion of Ukraine. Here are a couple more shots of the installation.
This isn’t the only time that Lithuania has taken an active role in opposing Putin since the war began in Ukraine. From huge protest marches and symbolic hot air balloons to pushing for harsher sanctions, Lithuania has spent much of the last few months loudly condemning both Putin and Russia. Neighbouring Latvia has also been fighting back on the propaganda front, while trying to shore up its tourist industry.
If you fancy seeing Putin behind bars at Lukiškės, he’s on Google Maps here.
Plus: here are 23 ways you can help the people of Ukraine right now.