Putin: Russia’s Leading Sex Symbol?

June 20, 2008 · Filed Under Russia, Vladimir Putin, World News

Vladimir Putin may be a steely ex-KGB officer to the rest of the world, but inside Russia, he’s nothing short of a rock star.

Russian celebrity gossip magazine “Secrets of the Stars” just released an issue dedicated to the former Russian President.

Here are some of the highlights:

…This time the magazine has outdone itself, carrying numerous photos of the prime minister in heroic poses, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and arm wrestling, under the headline: “Sometimes He’s Just So Cool”.

“There’s not a single woman who would not dream of embracing and kissing Vladimir Vladimirovich and hearing his declaration of love,” the article opined.

A great deal of attention was given to Ludmila Putin, his wife who won praise for her ability to “cook, clean and knit”.

Quoting a German friend, Mrs Putin reportedly praised the prime minister as a model husband because he did not beat her, but also noted that he was an unemotional “vampire” who “sucked all the juices” out of her.

Alongside the magazine’s many photographs, articles charted the noble course of Mr Putin’s life.

Under one, headlined “I severed its head with one blow”, the magazine approvingly reported how Mr Putin killed rats and once beheaded a duck with an axe as a boy. Showing his merciful side the young Vladimir also rescued three kittens from being drowned.

Another story entitled “I like all Russian women” looked at his love life. Among his admirers was Vera, who was attracted to Mr Putin’s “charisma and charm” and whom Mr Putin liked in return for “her ability to do house chores well”.

The magazine even carried a photograph of Alina Kabayeva, the 25-year-old rhythmic gymnast with whom Mr Putin has denied having an affair. The dubious reports of the relationship appear to have enhanced Mr Putin’s popularity.

While some of its content may have seemed risque, the magazine actually revealed nothing that the Kremlin had not approved as information for the public domain.

Ordinary Russians do not seem to mind, however, with many readers lapping up the minutiae of Mr Putin’s life detailed in the magazine.

“I like to read about what Putin wears,” said Galina, a Moscow businesswoman reading a copy of the magazine on a park bench.

“I like to know that he enjoys eating fried cabbage and ham. It somehow makes me feel closer to him.”

I’ve always found Russia to be a fascinating place. The Russian people know when they’re being fed pure propaganda, but rather than get mad about it they just enjoy it. Nothing gets printed in Russia without the approval of the Kremlin. So all the bullshit stories in this magazine were approved to foster a particular image of Putin. Everyone knows this is the case, but nobody cares.