Kremlin releases pictures of President Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev working out at the gym

The pictures are apparently aimed at making the President look rugged and masculine in the face of falling popularity

Russian President Vladimir Putin exercises in a gym at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi, Russia, August 30, 2015. REUTERS/Michael Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Kremlin ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith
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The Kremlin has released pictures of Vladimir Putin and his Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev pumping iron together, in a bizarre attempt at bulking up their popularity by boosting their image as masculine and rugged.

The pictures show the pair in sweatpants and T-shirts operating various pieces of gym machinery before enjoying grilled meat and tea together.