Vladimir Putin shares holiday photos as Russia faces sanctions

Russia's fragile economy looks to take a hit as rouble drops to a two-week low

Russian President Vladimir Putin poses for a photograph in an all-terrain vehicle, during his holiday in Siberian taiga forest. AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes a break during his holiday in the Siberian taiga. AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu have lunch while on holiday in the Siberian taiga. AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pictured in front of an all-terrain vehicle while on holiday in Siberia. EPA

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu take lunch among the trees of the Siberian taiga. AP Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes a walk in taiga forest in Russia's Siberia region. AP Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin drives an all-terrain vehicle while on holiday in the Siberian taiga. AP Photo

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian President Vladimir Putin examine a piece wood for crafting, at Mr Shoigu's workshop, in the Siberian taiga. AP Photo

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian President Vladimir Putin chat as they examine a piece of wood for crafting, at Mr Shoigu's workshop, in the Siberian taiga. AP Photo

The Kremlin released photographs of Russian President Vladimir Putin on holiday in Siberia.

Dressed in a sheepskin outfit, Mr Putin is pictured standing by what looks like an army vehicle and eating lunch with Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu, in the Siberian taiga region.

It is not the first time the Kremlin has released photos of Mr Putin demonstrating his outdoor prowess. The Russian president is now famed for his vacation shots, which have in the past included him fishing, swimming and on horseback.

Despite looking relaxed in the new photographs, Mr Putin is facing a number of issues back in Moscow – including a struggling economy, rising inflation and soaring food prices.

He is also facing global pressure, largely led by the US.

Last week, US President Joe Biden announced potential new sanctions on Russia over claims that Moscow meddled in the US 2020 presidential election

Mr Biden is also considering sanctions to block construction of the almost finished Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

The pipeline increases European dependency on Russian energy and bypasses US ally Ukraine.

This threat of sanctions has caused the already fragile rouble to fall to a two-week low.