Russian President Vladimir Putin once again flaunted his athletic prowess in an amateur late night ice hockey game Tuesday, RBC reported.
Putin led a team of Russian officials and former hockey players, including defense minister Sergei Shoigu, in the match in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi. Russian hockey stars Vyacheslav Fetisov and Pavel Bure also played alongside the 63-year-old president.
They competed against a team of businessmen, some of whom are known for their close ties to the Kremlin. They included billionaires Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, Gennady Timchenko, Vladimir Potanin and the governor of Moscow region Andrei Vorobyov.
Putin joined the game in the second period, scoring a goal and two assists. The president's team won 9-5, with Putin receiving the trophy from Soviet-era hockey star Alexander Yakushev, according to state news agency RIA Novosti.
Putin is in Sochi until Friday for a series of meetings with Russia's top defense officials, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday. The talks will be focused on developing the country's defense industry complex, TASS state news agency reported.
Vladimir Putin, who was elected for his first term as Russia’s president back in May 2000, has a black belt in judo and has previously been seen at events horse riding, diving in the Black Sea and flying a hang glider.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
