The International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2017 kicked off on July 18 in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow. Vladimir Putin, who was there enjoying a showcase of Russia's technological prowess accompanied by members of the government and management of industrial enterprises, decided to stop by an ice cream stand.
Традиция авиасалона: Владимир Путин купил на МАКСе мороженое pic.twitter.com/LCUr8KPHU7
— Дмитрий Смирнов (@dimsmirnov175) 18 июля 2017 г.
"What could you treat us to?" the Russian president asked a vendor as he approached a freezer full of ice cream. After he was presented with the choices, Putin picked a classic plain ice cream that cost 60 rubles and handed over a 1,000 ruble banknote. But instead of taking the change, he asked the server to treat officials accompanying him.
Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov opted for the same plain ice cream, while Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov and Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov preferred cones. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin refused to have an ice cream, saying that he is watching his weight.
Спросил у Путина — понравилось ли ему мороженое?: "Вкусное, рекомендую" pic.twitter.com/slS8bmh9jk
— Дмитрий Смирнов (@dimsmirnov175) 18 июля 2017 г.
After Putin finished his frozen dessert, journalists asked him if he liked the treat. "I recommend it," the Russian president replied.