G7 Leaders Joke "Take Off Jackets and Shoot Tough" Targeting Putin
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Woo-seok] Russian President Vladimir Putin has struck back at the sharp remarks made by world leaders directed at him.
According to major foreign media, President Putin said during a meeting with reporters on the 30th (local time) while visiting Turkmenistan, "I don't know whether they wanted to take their clothes off above or below the waist, but in any case, it must have been a disgusting sight."
He then sarcastically added, "For everything to be harmonious, one must avoid excessive drinking, give up bad habits, exercise, and participate in sports."
This is interpreted as a response to remarks about President Putin made at the G7 (Group of Seven) summit held on the 26th (local time) at Elmau Castle in Bavaria, Germany.
Before the meeting started that day, the leaders sitting around the round table had a light conversation about the attire for the group photo. During this, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "Shall we wear jackets or take them off?" adding, "We need to show that we are tougher than Putin."
On the 26th (local time), at the G7 summit held in Germany, world leaders made remarks that seemed to target President Putin. The leaders took a group photo wearing only shirts. [Image source=Yonhap News]
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chimed in, "We should take off our shirts and at least do some horseback riding." This was interpreted as a remark referring to Putin, who is known to enjoy horseback riding and relaxation shirtless.
In the actual released group photo, all the leaders were seen without jackets.
On the 28th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson appeared on Germany's public broadcaster ZDF and criticized, "If Putin were a woman, he would not be conducting such a frenzied and macho invasion war and violence as he is now."
He pointed out, "Putin's invasion of Ukraine is a perfect example of toxic masculinity. Many people hope the war will end, but at present, there is no negotiation that seems possible. Putin is not making any peace proposals."
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