New Delhi: Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy countries mocked the masculine image of their absentee adversary Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Germany on Sunday dominated by the Russian president’s invasion of Ukraine. As friendly leaders sat in the Bavarian Alps for their first meeting of the three-day G7 summit, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked whether he should take off his jacket – or whether he should take off any more.
“We all have to show that we are tougher than Putin,” Johnson said, to the laughter of some of his aides.
“Bare-breasted horseback riding,” shot Canada’s Justin Trudeau back.
“Oh yes,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Horse riding is the best.”
Putin, who rewards his sporty image, has been depicted shirtless several times in photographs released by Russian state media, including a set in which he wears draped sunglasses, a gold chain and army trousers. has ridden a horse.
The G7 leaders discussed efforts to further isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands and expelled millions from their homes.
Britain, Canada, Japan and the United States announced moves to ban Russian gold imports. The G7 also includes France, Italy and Germany.