Pumping iron curtain... Putin and Russian PM launch a new arms race
FROM horse riding to judo to hunting, Vladimir Putin has long portrayed himself as Russia’s action-man president.
So when he invites you along for a breakfast meeting, there might just be a catch.
In the case of prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, it was joining the boss in an early-morning workout for the cameras in the president’s private gym.
Unusually, Mr Putin, 62, resisted the urge to take off his T-shirt, preferring to complete his keep-fit routine without revealing his torso, which has famously been given an airing during his much-photographed hunting and fishing trips. Wearing powerlifting gloves, jogging bottoms and a T-shirt, the president appeared prepared for an intense workout.
Striding into the gym with Mr Medvedev, 49, he quickly showed off his strength with an easy arm workout.
He then powered through a few reps on various pieces of gym equipment before taking time to offer a few words of advice to his subordinate.
Mr Putin is well known for his action-man personality. He has a black belt in karate, has prac- tised judo since he was 11 and has been photographed playing ice hockey, horseriding and skiing. After meeting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi last month, he said he was planning to give yoga a try.
Mr Medvedev is also no stranger to exercise, albeit of a more gentle kind: he has previously been seen playing badminton and is a keen ice hockey and judo fan.
After flexing their muscles, the president and prime minister adjourned for a cup of tea and breakfast at Mr Putin’s summer residence near the Black Sea resort of Sochi.