Moscow: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has lept on a Harley Davidson and roared
into an international biker convention in southern Ukraine.
Around 5,000 bikers from Europe and beyond are gathered in Sevastopol for the annual
festival on Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.
Putin, in Ukraine for talks with the country's new Russia-friendly leadership, had
his black shirt sleeves rolled up as he motored toward a stage along a dusty road on
the three-wheeled bike. In sunglasses, black jeans and black fingerless gloves, the
Russian prime minister clearly reveled in the moment, smiling and waving to the
enthusiastic crowd.
From a podium, he described the motorbike as "the most democratic form of transport"
and praised the bikers' free spirit.
He also urged them to unite in promoting safe driving.
