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Putin celebrates 62nd birthday in wild Siberia

People choose shirts bearing an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin at GUM (the State Department Store) in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. Souvenirs and clothing featuring Putin or pro-government slogans have become popular in Russia this year. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
People choose shirts bearing an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin at GUM (the State Department Store) in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. Souvenirs and clothing featuring Putin or pro-government slogans have become popular in Russia this year. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) People choose shirts bearing an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin at GUM (the State Department Store) in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. Souvenirs and clothing featuring Putin or pro-government slogans have become popular in Russia this year. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

By Associated Press 1 min read

MOSCOW (AP) – Russian President Vladimir Putin is celebrating his 62nd birthday in the wilderness of Siberia as supporters from across Russia create tributes in his honor.

Putin celebrated his birthday Tuesday in the Siberian forest some “300-400 kilometers (185-250 miles) from the nearest populated area,” his press secretary told Russian news media. Putin has often brandished his tough-guy image with widely publicized wilderness romps during which he hunts, fishes or rides horses – often while shirtless.

In the Chechen capital of Grozny, thousands gathered to carry a 600-meter (650-yard) long Russian flag through the streets. Russian news websites also published photographs from a one-day Moscow exhibition titled “The 12 Feats of Vladimir Putin,” in which the president is depicted as Hercules.