SHLOS ELMAU, Germany, June 26 (Reuters) – Leaders of the Group of Seven Rich Nations mocked the macho image of their absent opponent Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Germany dominated by the Russian president’s invasion of Ukraine.
As the costumed leaders sat down for their first meeting since the three-day G-7 summit in the hot Bavarian Alps, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked if their jackets should be taken off – or even taken off.
“We all need to show that we are tougher than Putin,” Johnson said, to make some of his colleagues laugh.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding a fish he caught during a hunting and fishing trip that took place on August 1-3 in the Republic of Thebes in southern Siberia, Russia, in this photo published by the Kremlin on August 5, 2017. Sputnik / Alexei Nikolsky / Kremlin through REUTERS
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“Horse riding with bare breasts,” said Canadian Justin Trudeau.
“Oh, yes,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Riding is the best.”
Putin, who values his sporting image, has been depicted several times shirtless in photos published by Russian state media, including a set in which he rides a brown horse while wearing sunglasses, a gold chain and army trousers.
G-7 leaders have discussed efforts to further isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands and driven millions from their homes. Britain, Canada, Japan and the United States have announced measures to ban imports of Russian gold. The G7 also includes France, Italy and Germany.
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Report by Thomas Escritt Edited by Matthias Williams and Peter Graf
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