Vladimir Putin maybe facing relentless Western criticism, but on the beaches in recently annexed Crimea, young Russian women are only too happy to wear him close to their hearts. The ‘Putinkinis’ are the latest manifestation of fervent patriotism sweeping Russia as the country is hit by sanctions over the Ukraine crisis. The pictures were taken at the Tavrida International Youth Meeting held this week on the Black Sea peninsula annexed from Ukraine by Russia in March. Vlad fans: Anastasia Petrova, Anastasia Trusova, Irina Volodchenko and  Margarita Bocharova show their support for the Russian president with their Putinkinis ‘Our wonderful girls decided not to hide their patriotism and show a photo of V.V Putin as one of their attributes - on their breasts,’ explained the event's website.
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Young women in Crimea show their support for Vladimir Putin
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The publicity bikini tops feature Russian president's face
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Latest display of extreme patriotism spreading in Russia
They aim with their swim wear ‘to say to all the country that they fully support the political course of head of the state @placeholder.