Europe

Siberian suntan: bare-chested Vladimir Putin goes fishing

It’s the latest stunt for the Russian leader on a mini-break in Siberian Tyva region

Russian President Vladimir Putin sunbathes during his vacation in the remote Tuva region in southern Siberia. Photograph: Alexey Nikolsky/AFP/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin sunbathes during his vacation in the remote Tuva region in southern Siberia. Photograph: Alexey Nikolsky/AFP/Getty Images
Sat Aug 05 2017 - 15:10

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been pictured spearfishing in southern Siberia’s mountains.

It is the latest stunt for the action man and adventure-loving Russian leader on a mini-break in the Siberian Tyva region.

Putin fishes in southern Siberia.
Putin fishes in southern Siberia.

Footage released on Saturday by state television stations showed Mr Putin steering an inflatable boat and fishing bare-chested with a rod in a mountain lake, accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other officials.

It also showed Mr Putin fishing underwater with a spear gun.

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Putin in a diving suit enjoying spear-fishing during his vacation.
Putin in a diving suit enjoying spear-fishing during his vacation.

His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the president spent two hours hunting a pike before finally getting it.

Mr Putin has frequently engaged in action stunts since taking the helm in 2000, flying combat jets, riding horses and fishing bare-chested.

Khakassia republic Head Viktor Zimin and Putin fishing at the cascade of mountain lakes.
Khakassia republic Head Viktor Zimin and Putin fishing at the cascade of mountain lakes.

He also accompanied a flock of cranes on a hang glider, shot a tiger with a tranquilliser gun and released leopards into a wildlife sanctuary.

– AP