Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday took part in a festive ice hockey game in Moscow's Red Square, along with politicians and sports stars. Putin's team won eventually 14-10.
The 66-year-old Russian leader had Sergei Shoygu, his minister of defense, Pavel Bure, former right-wing player for NHL's New York Rangers, and two-time Olympic champion Viacheslav Fetisov on his team.
At the press conference after the game, Putin told reporters he suggested Alexander Lukashenko, president of Belarus, join him on the rink. The two leaders had met earlier in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin skates with the puck during the game. /VCG Photo
"Alexander Grigoryevich (Lukashenko)…answered he should be home in Minsk to solve lots of issues, routine issues. There are always loads of them before the New Year. However, we struck a deal that we would play together and go skiing once we met," said Putin.
The game was a regular festive event that took place a week before Russians celebrate the Orthodox Christmas on January 7, 2019.
As a leader well-known for playing sports, Putin scored five goals playing for the "Legends of Hockey" in a game broadcast on TV nationwide earlier this year.
He's no stranger to fishing and swimming and once went bowling with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
Vladimir Putin (R) and Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoygu talk to each other. /VCG Photo
When asked about his plan for the winter holidays, Putin said that he may hit the ice again.
"I don't have any special plans, I'll be here in Moscow. Then I'll see, maybe I'll play some hockey and go skiing," said Putin to the Russia 24 TV channel.