Vladimir Putin: Where has Putin been? The best of the memes Published duration 16 March 2015

The 10-day disappearance of Russian President Vladimir Putin - who prior to Monday had not been seen in public for nearly two weeks - led to the internet responding to his vanishing act in the only way it knows how: memes.

Inevitably, some wondered whether he had escaped the public eye on the back of a weasel riding a woodpecker

There was some speculation about whether the tough Russian leader had developed an illness or health problem.

As the days went by, rumours of his death also began circulating online.

But some thought the busy world leader might have just packed his bags and gone for some rest and recuperation in sunnier climes.

image copyright @m_adamkowski

Whatever the real reason, Mr Putin reappeared on Monday to meet his Kyrgyz counterpart, Almazbek Atambayev, in his home city, St Petersburg.

image copyright AP