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Putin Takes Birthday Hike in Siberian Mountains

VOA News

   Russian President Vladimir Putin spent his pre-birthday weekend hiking
   the mountains of southern Siberia with his defense minister.

   Putin, who turned 67 on Monday, can be seen walking up steep hills and
   picking wild mushrooms in photos and video released by the Kremlin.

   Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traversed the vast Taiga
   forest, at one point stopping to take in the views high on a mountain.

   "We are high above the clouds," the Russian leader exclaimed.

   Putin has visited the area in the Tuva region near the Mongolian border
   several times over the past few years. In 2009, he was photographed
   riding shirtless on a horse. Two years ago, he and Shoigu fished
   bare-chested in the pristine lakes.

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