{"id":121103,"date":"2023-10-25T16:51:23","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T16:51:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lasixlineon.com\/?p=121103"},"modified":"2023-10-25T16:51:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T16:51:23","slug":"putins-weirdest-moments-from-martial-arts-skills-to-horse-riding-topless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lasixlineon.com\/world-news\/putins-weirdest-moments-from-martial-arts-skills-to-horse-riding-topless\/","title":{"rendered":"Putin\u2019s weirdest moments from martial arts skills to horse riding topless"},"content":{"rendered":"

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He might have dragged his country into a disastrous invasion of Ukraine, but Vladimir Putin wasn\u2019t always the global pariah he is now.<\/p>\n

As photographs from his earlier time as leader show, the 71-year-old former KGB agent once loved nothing more than showing off his pecs or judo throwing a terrified opponent.<\/p>\n

The divorced father-of-two seems to have experienced his mid-life crisis for many decades, taking great pleasure in trying to show off a macho persona.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s tagging polar bears and tigers, or riding topless in the Russian wilderness, Putin has carefully nurtured a tough guy image at home and abroad.<\/p>\n

As rumours swirl his health has suffered in recent years – and in recent days, after an alleged heart attack, which the Kremlin strongly denies – Putin might enjoy looking back at his more carefree days when he used to indulge in the odd ice hockey game or take time to pose hugging a koala.<\/p>\n

Here’s a rundown of some of Putin’s most bizarre photocall moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/strong> Terrifying video shows firefighters using flamethrower on cops in protest battle<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Topless horse riding in Siberia<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Perhaps the Russian leader’s most famous photocall, his moonshot at masculinity. During a trip to the far east of Russia in 2003 the then Prime Minister stopped off near the town of Kyzyl in Southern Sibreria.<\/p>\n

As part of his holiday shenanigans, Vladimir decided to don a pair of sunglasses and a crucifix and ride topless through the local landscape.<\/p>\n

He also engaged in some wild swimming and was photographed doing some mushroom picking as he unwound in the wilderness.<\/p>\n

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President, Prime Minister and puck pusher<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2016, Putin was President again, and took part in an ice hockey game perhaps celebrating still keeping all democratic opponents to his power in the cold.<\/p>\n

A sweaty looking Putin posed with an oversized trophy next to two women also holding a large trophy and dressed in traditional costume.<\/p>\n

The game featured Russian stars from the American NHL league and a local governor in Sochi, Russia. Putin’s side won 11 points to five.<\/p>\n