Clad in all black, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin led a bikers rally to the Crimean city of Sevastopol following his meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on July 24 to commemorate Navy Day.
Cheered on by crowds, the 57-year-old leader led the way in front of the Russian Night Wolves biker club while riding a three-wheeled Harley Davidson. “Biking conveys a sweet feeling of freedom,” Putin, standing on a stage, reportedly told the bikers from Crimea. “I wish you and your iron horses a long life.”
Putin had decorated his chrome-lacquered motorcycle with Russian and Ukrainian flags.
Since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych took power in Kyiv five months ago, relations between the two countries have strengthened after years of tensions under former President Viktor Yushchenko.
Russia’s navy was recently granted a lease extension for its base there until 2042 according to a deal struck with the Ukrainian government that also involved gas subsidies and agreements to broaden industrial and nuclear cooperation.
The agreements demonstrated improving relations between both nations but many Ukrainians wary of Russia’s intentions feel that Putin has, with his visit to Crimea, demonstrated Russia’s resurging dominance over the former Soviet republic.
At the Black Sea Fleet parade on July 25, Russia announced it was beefing up its naval fleet in Sevastopol, news likely to spark added controversy in Ukraine.
Putin has traditionally worked on portraying a classic masculine image in the media. He had previously met with members of the Night Wolves biker club in 2009, has been shown fishing bare-chested and has made public appearances with macho men such as Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.
