VLADIMIR Putin’s hotly anticipated new calendar has hit the shelves in Russia and online.

The strongman leader can be seen in a raft of poses, several of them in his trademark topless style.

11 Vladimir Putin's latest calendar has hit the shelves in Russia

Putin is shown flaunting his action man image, shooting, horse riding and fishing.

Others see the president with a raft of cuddly animals including as snow leopard cub and a dog.

One particularly bizarre image shows a shirtless Vlad taking a dip in Lake Seliger, just north of Moscow, as three Russian orthodox priests look on holding religious icons.

The ceremony is apparently part of the celebration of Epiphany on January 6.



Make my day

11 Putin poses 'Dirty Harry' style with gun at a firing range

Putin’s yearly calendars have developed something of a cult following around the world over the last few years.

The Russian leader is always pictured doing a raft of “manly” activities but also pictured with cuddly animals.

It appears the former KGB agent believes that this helps him exude a strong but gentle image to the people of Russia.

Emblazoned across the front of this year’s calendar is a quote from Putin saying: “I admire Russian Women!



What a catch

11 The Russian leader poses topless with the catch of the day following a fishing trip

Fancy a dip?

11 Vlad takes a dip in front of priests on the day of the Epiphany on January 6th north of Moscow

K Gee-gee B

11 The former KGB agent is pictured riding a horse in this year's offering

Pumping iron

11 The Russian president is famed for his love of physical exercise

From Russia with Puppy Love

11 Putin is pictured cuddling up with a Labrador puppy t to show off his softer side

Top Gun

11 Putin channels Tom Cruise as he poses in a jet complete with helmet and oxygen mask in the action packed calendar

A Fist-full of Roubles

11 The Russian president likes to exude a manly image in his photo shoots

Blades of Glory

11 On top of outdoor activities he was also snapped taking to the ice in the Russian national ice hockey kit

Blue Steel

11 Perhaps the most presidential of the bunch shows Putin in a traditional Russian hat

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“Oh, and there's Vladimir Vladimirovich, my love!”

It is not known if the calendar is officially or unofficially approved by Putin or the Kremlin.

Some copies of the calendar have are already on eBay with sellers asking around £11.99 a pop.

Video of Russian President Vladimir Putin firing new Kalashnikov sniper rifle and 'picking off targets at a distance of 600m'