Stalin and Lenin lookalikes in an argument.

First time visitors to Moscow, Russia, have an opportunity to see two of the most famous historical figures in Soviet history up close. I am not talking about statues or wax figures but impersonators or lookalikes. Stalin and Lenin appear on a daily basis in Red Square.

For a few dollars, tourists can pose next to them for a picture and have a chat. This working relationship has been going on for years and I have seen them in person when we were in Moscow in 2012. However, things are not always sunshine and roses between the two and they got into a heated argument recently.

An argument in Red Square!

Moskva news has recently reported that the two actors got into a fight close to Red Square. Stalin apparently attacked Lenin with an umbrella after the argument escalated. Lenin sustained minor injuries after Stalin hit him three times in the back with his umbrella. The attack took place over an alleged work dispute.

What was the work dispute about?

Actor Igor Gorbunov, who impersonates Vladimir Lenin and Stalin impersonator Latif Valiyev have been working together in a partnership for many years. Professional jealousy, apparently, is the culprit as Lenin found another Stalin to work with. Another source claimed that Valiyev got angry when Gorbunov posed for pictures next to another Stalin lookalike.

Stalin and Lenin – where to from here?

The incident, reported to the authorities, by Gorbunov when he filed a formal complaint. If found guilty, Valiyev can receive a fine, community work or a three months jail sentence. But it seems like Lenin has changed his mind and has filed another report asking not to punish Stalin or ban him to Siberia. Police said they would take it into consideration as part of the investigation and to make sure that the “victim” made the request under own free will.

However, the working relationship has suffered a great deal and Stalin and Lenin have decided to part ways. Maybe they could come to an agreement in the future.