Russian President Vladimir Putin's calendar for the next year has finally been released. The 2019 Putin VVP calendar brings back memories from the Russian strongman's long and illustrious political career as a 'consummate diplomat and outdoorsman', confirming that the 65-year-old is a president for all seasons, come rain or shine, Time reports.

The year kicks off with a bare-chested Putin observing the Russian Orthodox Epiphany after dipping into the icy waters of Lake Seliger, The Guardian reports. Throughout the year, Putin is displayed as an avid sportsman with photos of him playing hockey, horseback riding, cycling along a wooded road, and wielding a shooting range pistol.

In the months that follow, Putin's softer side comes to the fore. In one shot, Putin is seen cuddling a leopard cub, and there's another with Putin holding a Bulgarian shepherd dog.

Russian state media has portrayed Putin as a paragon of masculinity and an accomplished athlete. Several images of Putin enjoying his holidays in the country's relatively remote regions are frequently circulated in Russian media. Quite a few of them show Putin engaging in outdoor sports such as fishing or hunting while being shirtless.

According to CNN, Putin's calendars have become a national hit, with the 2019 calendar being the latest edition in the popular annual series. Back in 2016, the Russian strongman's calendar sold out completely in Moscow.