Vladimir Putin, Russia's diminutive ex-spy-cum-prime minister has gone to great lengths, distances, and depths to cultivate his image as a swashbuckling man of action. Here are some of the Russian leader's most glaringly, er, robust photo ops over the years, a campaign that appeared to be stepped up once he left the presidency in May 2008.
Putin's Carefully Crafted Swagger

5
Putin inspects the cockpit of the new Sukhoi T-50 stealth fighter jet at Gromov Airfield in June 2010.

6
Putin hits the slopes at the Krasnaya Polyana ski center outside Sochi, venue of the 2014 Winter Olympics.