Russia marks Vladimir Putin's 60th birthday

Photo: REUTERS

Telegraph

Supporters of Vladimir Putin planted his portrait on a mountain peak on Sunday as Russia marked his 60th birthday with adulation worthy of the Soviet era, but some mocking protesters portrayed him as a pensioner fit for retirement.

The ruling party's loyal Young Guard movement was to unfurl a banner on a bridge in southern Russia which they say symbolises Putin's role in uniting the Asian and European parts of a giant country that stretches over nine time zones.

Its website published a video portraying Mr Putin as the ultimate ladies' man, waited on by a gaggle of adoring, long-legged women. Other events around the country played on the tough-guy image that has been core to Mr Putin's political appeal.

Anti-Putin activists say the president won a third Kremlin term by rigging March presidential elections and ridiculed the birthday festivities as a personality cult.

They ditched plans for a major march through Moscow but were to stage a smaller scale "Let's send Grandpa into retirement" action near Red Square, protesters asked to bring gifts suitable for a pensioner such as reading glasses or a pipe.

The authorities appeared to be seeking to play down the event. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the president would spend the day relaxing with close family and no special celebrations were planned.