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Russians can't get enough of bare-chested leader's pictures
When he flexes Russia's diplomatic and military muscle, President Vladimir Putin always makes headlines.
- AP
- Published: 01:01 August 23, 2007
- Russian President Vladimir Putin fishes in the waters of the Khemchik River in the Tuva region of Siberia last week.
- Image Credit: AP
Moscow: When he flexes Russia's diplomatic and military muscle, President Vladimir Putin always makes headlines.
But few could have predicted the squall of gossip and speculation that would follow after Putin stripped off his shirt for the cameras while on holiday with Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Siberian mountains last week.
The resulting images of the presidential abs, prominently enshrined on the presidential website, inspired admiration, criticism and some racing pulses among his admirers.
The Russian media still can't get enough.
The mass market tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda yesterday published a huge colour photo of the barechested president, under the headline: "Be Like Putin."
Meanwhile, Kremlin watchers have been busy trying to guess what kind of political message the pictures might send, given that Putin has insisted he plans to step down at the end of his second presidential term next year, as required by the constitution.
One radio talk show host speculated that the pictures were meant to enhance Putin's personal appeal to voters - a strong signal that he doesn't plan to relinquish power.
When the commentator, Yevgeniya Albats, went on to suggest that his half-naked photo shoot was unbecoming a Russian leader, female listeners peppered her with emails expressing admiration for Putin's physique.
Compliments
Komsomolskaya Pravda reported that women who visited its website posted comments on Putin's "vigorous torso" and said they "were screaming with delight and showering [him] with compliments."
The 54-year-old Russian leader, who is married with two daughters, has long cultivated an image of machismo and manliness. Well-known as a downhill skier and black belt in judo, Putin has appeared on national television driving a truck, operating a train, sailing on a submarine and copiloting a fighter jet.
One radio talk show host speculated that the pictures were meant to enhance Putin's personal appeal to voters - a strong signal that he doesn't plan to relinquish power.
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