Vladimir Putin gym photos released in bid to lift approval rating

The Kremlin has released pictures of Russian president Vladimir Putin working out at the gym with prime minister Dmitrty Medvedev – images apparently aimed at shoring up Putin’s rugged, masculine image as his popularity dips.

Wearing a white T-shirt, tracksuit trousers and running shoes, Putin is shown on muscle-building apparatus in a publicity stunt that recalled previous shots of him shirtless while riding a horse; flying a supersonic jet and hunting a tiger.

A workout with the President pic.twitter.com/IyQvFgXz0O

— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) August 30, 2015