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Vladimir Putin’s official 2026 photo calendar is flying off the shelves in Russia, according to reports.
Stores in Moscow are struggling to keep up with demand for the memento featuring the Russian president, who uses the annual issue as an opportunity to present himself as an iconic leader.
Yelizaveta Sokovykh, a bookstore employee in the capital, said that demand was ‘very high’ for the calendar.
She said: ‘They sold out very quickly. There are literally a few left. But we’re expecting deliveries soon.’
The calendar comes with a selection of pictures of the autocratic president attending events, meeting military leaders and even playing the piano in an apparent bid to depict him as a strong but relatable head of state.
Previous editions have depicted Putin playing judo, as a lifestyle coach, a pet lover, devout religious believer and historian.
It also includes several ‘inspirational’ quotes, some alluding to his ongoing invasion of Ukraine, such as ‘Russia’s border never ends’ or even advice, such as ‘My recipe for energy: Sleep little, work a lot and don’t whine.’
The official album sells for the equivalent of £2.65 and is prominently displayed in government-owned public places in a homage to the man who has gripped and dominated Russia for more than the past two decades.
Some residents were however less enthusiastic about buying the gift for the New Year, believing the calendar to be too formal and more appropriate for an office.
They suggested calendars with ‘horses, bunnies, cats and dogs’ would be more preferable.
Other residents said they already had mementos with Putin’s picture.
Irina Fomichyova said she wouldn’t buy the calendar as she already has a clock with the dictator’s face on it, the latter which she says doesn’t expire.
‘You know, when it expires, what would you do with it? Throw it away? Dispose? That’s not good’, she said.
The wave of right-wing populism has seen a revival of memorabilia relating to pre-war autocrats amid nostalgia for ‘strong men’.
Last year, Italy’s government defended bringing out a calendar which honoured soldiers who fought for fascist ruler Benito Mussolini’s regime.
Putin himself has just concluded talks with the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in a rare overseas visit for the Russian leader.
Their meeting at the 23rd Russia-India Summit came as Washington has piled pressure on India to severe ties with Putin’s regime.
However the two countries have just finalised a deal to boost annual trade to £75 billion by 2030.
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