Kathrine Frich
Putin has gone to great lengths to project a strongman image.
Putin has gone to great lengths to project a strongman image.
Vladimir Putin’s Bizarre Daily Routine
Russian President Vladimir Putin lives a life shrouded in secrecy, but glimpses into his daily routine reveal a strange mix of discipline, luxury, and carefully curated image-building.
From late breakfasts to shirtless hunting and quail eggs, here’s a peek into Putin’s highly controlled world.
A Late Start to the Day
Forget early risers, Putin reportedly doesn’t start his day until late morning, often eating breakfast around noon.
His meal of choice is a hearty omelet or porridge, quail eggs, and fruit juice.
Farm-Fresh and Patriarch-Approved
According to Newsweek, many of Putin’s ingredients are shipped directly from the estates of Patriarch Kirill, Russia’s Orthodox Church leader.
After breakfast, Putin drinks coffee and begins easing into his day.
Two-Hour Swim to “Think for Russia”
Exercise is key to Putin’s morning.
He reportedly spends around two hours swimming laps, an activity during which, according to author Ben Judah, he does much of his thinking.
Once he’s out of the water, it’s straight to weight training.
Masculine Image Carefully Curated
Putin has gone to great lengths to project a strongman image.
Whether it’s hunting shirtless or pumping iron with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, he’s constantly photographed as the rugged outdoorsman.
In one photo op, his gym outfit alone was worth $3,200.
No Tech, No Emails, Just Red Folders
Unlike most world leaders, Putin reportedly avoids using modern technology at work.
He prefers printed reports in red folders and fixed-line Soviet-era telephones over computers.
Occasionally, advisers show him viral videos mocking his government.
Work Starts in the Afternoon
Putin usually begins his official duties in the early afternoon, poring over domestic intelligence updates, foreign briefings, and media clippings.
He’s not much of a reader otherwise, though he reportedly indulged in a thriller novel back in 2006.
Putin Works Best at Night
He’s known to be a night owl. His sharpest hours are said to come late in the evening when the Kremlin is quiet.
Much of his writing, strategizing, and decision-making reportedly happens during these hours.
Ice Cream Diplomacy (and No Dairy on the Road)
Putin has a soft spot for pistachio ice cream, even gifting a tub to Xi Jinping at the G20 summit.
However, his travel diet is strictly controlled, he avoids all dairy abroad and never eats food not cleared by Kremlin staff.
Alcohol-Free (Mostly)
The Russian president rarely drinks, reserving alcohol for formal receptions only.
Experts believe this is a calculated image move, contrasting with Russia’s alcohol crisis and his famously drunk predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.
Religion, English Lessons & Ice Hockey
On weekends, Putin loosens his schedule for English classes and, occasionally, confession.
One of his biggest hobbies is Ice hockey.
He not only watches but plays in a league—often skating rings around his bodyguards-turned-teammates.
Dog Lover with a Guard Dog Reputation
Putin owns several dogs, including a Labrador, an Akita Inu, and a Karakachan.
His Akita once famously barked at Japanese journalists during an interview, Putin coolly responded by giving her a treat and showing off her tricks.
Hates Commuting, Loves the Black Sea
Despite a quick 25-minute commute to the Kremlin, Putin prefers staying at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence near the Black Sea.
It’s remote, private, and reportedly where he feels most in control of his environment.
