Vladimir Putin in Tuva

As reported in many media around the world, Vladimir Putin spent a couple of days in Tuva early in August.  According to reports he camped out overnight, did some swimming, and visited a family in their yurt.

The photos released seem designed to emphasize his status as an adventurer in great shape and vigorously demonstrating his good health.  Some commentators have surmised that Putin's media campaign will, among Russians, evoke a powerful association with warrior heroes of Russian fairy tales and legends, who rode horseback and defended Russia from foreign invaders.

All photos: AP Photo/ RIA Novosti, Alexei Drizhinin, Pool.

Posted August 14, 2009.