Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2016 calendar creates a buzz

On a scale of 1 to 10 on how much a Head of State could surprise you, Russian President Vladimir Putin would score a 12. That’s 12 for the 12 months of the year. And that’s 12 for the dozen photos of the President in the latest calendar “All Year with the President of Russia” for 2016.

Currently on sale for 78 roubles at bookshops in Russia, the calendar features 12 photographs of Putin — shirtless and fully clothed — going about his daily chores, or even pondering, a flower in hand. But that’s not all. The calendar, said to be produced by Russia’s ‘Stars and Advice’ magazine, also features words of wisdom for each month of the year from Putin himself.

The calendar is meant to showcase the Russian President’s tough and sensitive sides. In one photo where he’s cuddling a dog, the caption reads, “Dogs and I have very warm feelings for one another”, in another where he’s holding a flower, the blurb says, “I like all Russian women. I think Russian women are the most talented and the most beautiful.”

If you thought Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being unpredictable by simply stopping by Pakistan en route to India this month, turns out Putin can outdo any head of state when it comes to pulling surprises out of his ushanka hat.

As the calendar goes viral, people aren’t quite sure if it’s real.

@AlArabiya_Eng #VladimirPutin is this real? Does he create a calendar of himself every year? Do people actually buy it?

— Qadirah Muhammad (@qadirahsm) December 27, 2015

While there are others who see the humour behind the initiative.

Hilarious. #VladimirPutin wall calendar shows Russian leader shirtless, exercising and cuddling a puppy #Russia https://t.co/FCoheyseOf

— Samantha Chang (@samantha_chang) December 28, 2015

Well, believe it or not, 12 months of Putin is here to stay for a whole 366 days.