It is hotly debated in the West that Putin shot the tiger alone to express his "contempt" for the EU.


Shoot a tiger



be on/make an inspection tour



Watch the tiger



Wear a ring


  On August 31, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin personally fired a bullet containing sedatives with a gun to subdue a 5-year-old tiger in the Ussuri River Reserve in the Russian Far East. Putin’s "tough" performance immediately triggered hot comments from many western media. At a time when Russia is "confronting" the West over the South Ossetia issue, many western media have speculated that Putin’s "intention" is to express a "contempt" for the EU.


  Reuters reported that when Putin and a group of wildlife experts arrived at the reserve for inspection, a tiger broke free and jumped on a photographer. Putin immediately picked up the tranquilizer gun in his hand and shot the tiger. Putin also helped researchers measure tiger teeth and put a collar with satellite tracking function on the tiger.


  Many western media have also noticed that Putin’s performance in shooting tigers has been praised by the Russian media, and he has also established a "macho man" image. Agence France-Presse commented that you have seen Putin as a bomber pilot, judo master and fishing expert, but what about a tiger hunter? Agence France-Presse quoted the Interfax news agency as saying: "Fortunately, Prime Minister Putin was flexible and timely, and the tiger was subdued."


  The German "Mirror" website commented that Putin’s brave rescue of journalists in the face of escaped tigers happened at "the right time and the right place". The article holds that Prime Minister Putin’s "brave behavior" has deepened his resolute image and called Putin’s rescue of journalists "miracle". Almost a year ago, a group of photos of Putin’s "bare muscles" while fishing in Siberia were also widely spread. Reuters said, "Putin, 55, has portrayed himself as a macho man during his eight-year presidency.". The British "Times" is full of hints that Putin’s "shooting tigers" is showing contempt for the leaders of EU countries.

  Related links:



  • South Ossetia has come to this day. Did Kosovo open Pandora’s Box? August 12, 2008

  • Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sets social and economic development goals by 2020 August 25, 2008

  • Putin: Russia-Georgia conflict is a "conspiracy" planned by the United States on August 29, 2008.

  • Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rescues journalists as "heroes fighting tigers" (Photos) September 1, 2008

  • Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rescues journalists from the jaws of death and is warned by the West (Figure) September 1, 2008