Russian strongman Vladimir Putin claims he may be riding off into the sunset.
The 64-year-old former KGB agent hinted at his possible retirement during a recent visit with metal workers at a plant in the city of Chelyabinsk, according to the Mirror.
“Of course, I’d like to travel in a different manner, to see nature, some historical sites,” Putin told the workers
“Today all my trips are limited to arriving to an airport, then getting to some room, then back to the airport,” he said, adding in a sarcastic tone, “I somewhat traveled somewhere.”
The Russian president, whose passion is riding horses barechested, also expressed the importance of setting aside time for a private life amid reports that he has been seeing former Olympic gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 33.
“How do you know that I manage to do everything?,” Putin asked a student, who was also present at the metal plant.
“A while ago I noticed – I believe you know it too, but you’re too shy to say that – the more you do, the more you manage to do,” Putin said.
“Especially if you build your work schedule in the proper way. This is so, believe me. And you have to deal with your private life. Get married, have kids,” Putin added.
The unexpected comments from the world leader come at a time when he’s expected to win another term as president beginning in 2018.
“I want to successfully complete my career,” Putin told the plant workers.
Putin was first became Russian president in 2000 and was reelected in 2004. He then was appointed Russian prime minister from 2008 to 2012, before taking the presidential reins again.
Putin’s government has been accused by the U.S. of trying to influence the elections here.