Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spent a day in south Siberia’s Tuva Republic, horse riding, fishing, and chatting to local shepherds.
Putin arrived late on Sunday, and spent the night in a camp on the Hemchik River.
“I’ve been to many places. But I’ve never seen nature as powerful as this,” a local news site quoted Putin as saying.
The premier shows off his butterfly skills. A water lover, he has in the past been scuba diving, and even and recently descended to the bottom of Lake Baikal in a mini-submarine.
Fishing in a stream
The premier makes a catch
Strolling through the mountains
Putin invited a shepherd for round tea - in return, the man invited the PM to see his home.
When Putin accepted, the shepherd came over with a spare horse.
Despite language barrier, the men managed to communicate.
The head of government took a look round the shepherd’s simple dwelling, and was introduced to his two daughters.
As a memento of his visit, Putin gave his watch to the shepherd’s son, and a hunting knife to his host
Photo: Vladimir Putin (center) on holiday in the Tuva Republic. Right - Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu.
