What did Mr. Putin say about the photo of him riding a bear that caused a stir in public opinion?

A photo collage of President Putin riding a bear was shared online. Photo: Sputnik

In an interview with the channelNBCaired on March 9, host Megyn Kelly asked President Putin about photos of him participating in outdoor activities, including a moment when the Russian leader sat shirtless on the back of a bear.

“I am very comfortable. There are many photos of me working, but no one cares about them. I have also seen photos of me riding a bear, but I have never done this. And yet these photos exist,” President Putin said in an interview.

Although the bear riding photo is a composite, in reality, President Putin has been seen shirtless many times while horseback riding or fishing. In addition, he also regularly exercises through sports activities such as swimming, playing hockey or martial arts.

Regarding the Russian leader's health, host Kelly asked: "Your election is coming up in two weeks. You're 65 years old. Most people are slowing down a little bit. Do you see yourself like that in the future?"

“First of all, there are many politicians in the world who are older than me and they are still working very actively,” Mr. Putin said.

“Including my country,” Megyn Kelly asked again, meaning the United States.

“Not only in the United States, but also in other countries. There are many such people in Europe and everywhere in the world. But if a person holds the highest posts, he must work as if he were working on the first and last day of his life. This is the constitution. I have never violated it and have never changed it. Of course, if the voters give me another term, I will do my best,” President Putin replied.

Running as an independent candidate and competing with 7 opponents, Mr. Putin is preparing for the Russian presidential election, scheduled to take place on March 18. The results of a survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center from February 19-22 and February 24-26 showed that 69.1% of voters said they would vote for Mr. Putin.